2 months ago
As preseason watch lists continue to roll in, the Texas Longhorns have been a popular team. That continued on Thursday when junior offensive lineman Brandon Baker was named to the preseason watch list for the 2026 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award. The award is given annually to the most outstanding player of Polynesian descent.
For many in Austin, Baker's inclusion on the watch list comes as no surprise. He was a staple on the Longhorns' offensive line last season, starting all 13 games. With Baker providing stability at right tackle, Texas' offense was hard to stop. One of their best performances came in the home opener against San Jose State when the Longhorns had 472 yards of total offense.
Over the last week, Baker's play last season has been rewarded with multiple honors. The California native is also on the preseason watch list for the 81st Outland Trophy. His success does not stop there, as earlier this month, Baker received Preseason All-SEC Third Team honors.
As the Longhorns look to win a national ****** le, Baker will again be an important piece. He showed during the 2025 season that he could hold his own in the SEC and stepped up when injuries piled up. In just a few weeks, Baker will get to continue building on his success.
While Baker is focused on winning a national ****** le, he will be watching how voting for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year plays out. Finalists for the award will be revealed on Dec. 8, and the winner will be announced on Dec. 15. For Baker, the hope is that he can add some hardware to his trophy case this holiday season.
#preseason #watch #polynesian #last
For many in Austin, Baker's inclusion on the watch list comes as no surprise. He was a staple on the Longhorns' offensive line last season, starting all 13 games. With Baker providing stability at right tackle, Texas' offense was hard to stop. One of their best performances came in the home opener against San Jose State when the Longhorns had 472 yards of total offense.
Over the last week, Baker's play last season has been rewarded with multiple honors. The California native is also on the preseason watch list for the 81st Outland Trophy. His success does not stop there, as earlier this month, Baker received Preseason All-SEC Third Team honors.
As the Longhorns look to win a national ****** le, Baker will again be an important piece. He showed during the 2025 season that he could hold his own in the SEC and stepped up when injuries piled up. In just a few weeks, Baker will get to continue building on his success.
While Baker is focused on winning a national ****** le, he will be watching how voting for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year plays out. Finalists for the award will be revealed on Dec. 8, and the winner will be announced on Dec. 15. For Baker, the hope is that he can add some hardware to his trophy case this holiday season.
#preseason #watch #polynesian #last
3 months ago
Countdown to kickoff is back! USC will kick off its 2026 football season on August 29 when the Trojans host San Jose State at the Coliseum. In this series, we will be counting down the days until the season opener by highlighting a notable Trojan who wore each number.
With 36 days to go, today we take it back to the 1970s and look at former USC fullback Mosi Tatupu.
Position: Running back
Years played at USC: 1974-1977
Career highlights: Coming to USC from Hawaii, Tatupu starred at fullback for the Trojans. In addition, he became a special teams standout, while also making a name for himself blocking for star running backs Ricky Bell and Charles White. Tatupu is a member of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame.
#back #Football #running #days
With 36 days to go, today we take it back to the 1970s and look at former USC fullback Mosi Tatupu.
Position: Running back
Years played at USC: 1974-1977
Career highlights: Coming to USC from Hawaii, Tatupu starred at fullback for the Trojans. In addition, he became a special teams standout, while also making a name for himself blocking for star running backs Ricky Bell and Charles White. Tatupu is a member of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame.
#back #Football #running #days
3 months ago
Red carpet fashion is always a showcase of personal style, where bold risks can become unforgettable triumphs or occasional missteps. Recent premieres for The Invite and the live-action Moana offered plenty of standout looks, with celebrities embracing everything from elegant couture to contemporary tailoring. Together, these appearances highlighted how fashion continues to play a central role in promoting major film releases while allowing stars to express their individuality.
At the premiere of The Invite, Penélope Cruz brought timeless elegance to the red carpet in a custom pale blue Chanel gown. The soft color and refined silhouette created a fresh, sophisticated appearance that perfectly suited the occasion. Rashida Jones demonstrated that sharp tailoring can be just as glamorous as an evening dress, wearing a black double-breasted Chloé suit accented by a sailor-inspired lace collar. Meanwhile, Olivia Wilde embraced dramatic styling in a striking black Saint Laurent gown featuring a cropped twisted bodice, oversized sleeves, and vibrant emerald earrings that added a welcome burst of color.
The global press tour for the live-action Moana showcased an equally impressive range of fashion. In Shanghai, Dwayne Johnson made a confident statement in a white Dzojchen suit with a modern wrap jacket, completing the look with white-rimmed glasses and traditional Polynesian garlands that celebrated the film's cultural roots. Co-star Catherine Laga'aia embraced playful elegance during the daytime events in a lavender crop top and flowing skirt before changing into a dreamy Teresa Helbig couture gown for the evening premiere. Inspired by the beauty of water, the design featured delicate botanical details and a soft, flowing silhouette that echoed the spirit of Disney's Moana.
As the promotional tour continued to London, Johnson stayed true to his signature style with another crisp white ensemble, pairing an open-collar shirt with matching trousers and a floral garland. Laga'aia complemented the event with a coordinated LoveShackFancy outfit featuring floral embroidery and a tiered maxi skirt that captured a cheerful, youthful energy. Their consistent styling throughout the tour reinforced the vibrant and adventurous atmosphere surrounding the film.
Another memorable appearance came from Millie Bobby Brown, who wore a romantic custom Galia Lahav gown inspired by a costume featured in the movie. The flowing icy-blue dress included a pleated bodice, delicate bow detail, and elegant skirt, while understated accessories and soft styling allowed the design to remain the centerpiece. Standing beside her husband, Jake Bongiovi, Brown completed a polished and graceful look that perfectly reflected the fantasy-inspired charm of the film, proving once again that thoughtful fashion can become an extension of storytelling itself.
#flowing
At the premiere of The Invite, Penélope Cruz brought timeless elegance to the red carpet in a custom pale blue Chanel gown. The soft color and refined silhouette created a fresh, sophisticated appearance that perfectly suited the occasion. Rashida Jones demonstrated that sharp tailoring can be just as glamorous as an evening dress, wearing a black double-breasted Chloé suit accented by a sailor-inspired lace collar. Meanwhile, Olivia Wilde embraced dramatic styling in a striking black Saint Laurent gown featuring a cropped twisted bodice, oversized sleeves, and vibrant emerald earrings that added a welcome burst of color.
The global press tour for the live-action Moana showcased an equally impressive range of fashion. In Shanghai, Dwayne Johnson made a confident statement in a white Dzojchen suit with a modern wrap jacket, completing the look with white-rimmed glasses and traditional Polynesian garlands that celebrated the film's cultural roots. Co-star Catherine Laga'aia embraced playful elegance during the daytime events in a lavender crop top and flowing skirt before changing into a dreamy Teresa Helbig couture gown for the evening premiere. Inspired by the beauty of water, the design featured delicate botanical details and a soft, flowing silhouette that echoed the spirit of Disney's Moana.
As the promotional tour continued to London, Johnson stayed true to his signature style with another crisp white ensemble, pairing an open-collar shirt with matching trousers and a floral garland. Laga'aia complemented the event with a coordinated LoveShackFancy outfit featuring floral embroidery and a tiered maxi skirt that captured a cheerful, youthful energy. Their consistent styling throughout the tour reinforced the vibrant and adventurous atmosphere surrounding the film.
Another memorable appearance came from Millie Bobby Brown, who wore a romantic custom Galia Lahav gown inspired by a costume featured in the movie. The flowing icy-blue dress included a pleated bodice, delicate bow detail, and elegant skirt, while understated accessories and soft styling allowed the design to remain the centerpiece. Standing beside her husband, Jake Bongiovi, Brown completed a polished and graceful look that perfectly reflected the fantasy-inspired charm of the film, proving once again that thoughtful fashion can become an extension of storytelling itself.
#flowing
3 months ago
Michigan football did the bulk of its work on recruiting its class of 2027 in May and June, but continues to round out its class, which came with another commitment in the trenches.
The Wolverines landed a pledge from four-star interior lineman Lincoln Mageo out of Oceanside High in Oceanside, California, who chose U-M over Utah and Washington on Saturday, July 11. Mageo, who had more than 20 Division I offers including programs such as Ohio State, Texas and USC, stands 6 feet 4 and 280 pounds.
Mageo, who visited Ann Arbor in early June, was named a Polynesian Bowl All-Star.
WHO'S THE BOSS?: 'Leader in every respect': RB Jordan Marshall set to carry Michigan
"Strong customer as a drive blocker in the run game," 247Sports scouting ****** yst Gabe Brooks wrote. "Flashes some heavy-handed pop, particularly when traveling and when helping in pass pro.
The Wolverines landed a pledge from four-star interior lineman Lincoln Mageo out of Oceanside High in Oceanside, California, who chose U-M over Utah and Washington on Saturday, July 11. Mageo, who had more than 20 Division I offers including programs such as Ohio State, Texas and USC, stands 6 feet 4 and 280 pounds.
Mageo, who visited Ann Arbor in early June, was named a Polynesian Bowl All-Star.
WHO'S THE BOSS?: 'Leader in every respect': RB Jordan Marshall set to carry Michigan
"Strong customer as a drive blocker in the run game," 247Sports scouting ****** yst Gabe Brooks wrote. "Flashes some heavy-handed pop, particularly when traveling and when helping in pass pro.
4 months ago
Catherine Laga'aia, Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson brought a touch of the Pacific to the launch of the Moana Experience at Potters Fields Park in London on Tuesday, celebrating Disney's latest immersive attraction against the backdrop of Tower Bridge.
As the new face of Moana, Catherine Laga'aia continues to find the sweet spot between honouring the film and expressing her own style.
Wearing a LoveShackFancy Vessia embroidered top with the coordinating Celesa embroidered mesh tiered maxi skirt, she looked as though she had stepped straight from a tropical island. The airy layers, delicate embroidery and soft ivory palette captured the spirit of Moana in a way that felt authentic rather than thematic.
Around her neck, Catherine wore a floral lei, a traditional Polynesian garland presented as a gesture of welcome, affection and celebration. More than simply a colourful accessory, it reinforced the cultural heritage at the heart of the film and made the moment feel even more meaningful.
Styled by Alexandra Mandelkorn.
As the new face of Moana, Catherine Laga'aia continues to find the sweet spot between honouring the film and expressing her own style.
Wearing a LoveShackFancy Vessia embroidered top with the coordinating Celesa embroidered mesh tiered maxi skirt, she looked as though she had stepped straight from a tropical island. The airy layers, delicate embroidery and soft ivory palette captured the spirit of Moana in a way that felt authentic rather than thematic.
Around her neck, Catherine wore a floral lei, a traditional Polynesian garland presented as a gesture of welcome, affection and celebration. More than simply a colourful accessory, it reinforced the cultural heritage at the heart of the film and made the moment feel even more meaningful.
Styled by Alexandra Mandelkorn.
