Oregon center Iapani "Poncho" Laloulu started all 14 games for the Ducks last season, taking over at center in the Fiesta Bowl from Jackson Powers-Johnson in January 2024. Wednesday he was named to the Rimington Award Watch List, the top national award for centers.
In the Ducks' 34-13 win over UCLA last September, Laloulu received the highest performance grade in the country to that point in the season from Pro Football Focus, earning an 86.1 score for his work as the team rushed for 153 yards with 42 pass attempts without a sack.
In his second year as a full-time starter Laloulu is the acknowledged leader on the offensive line. This spring Dan Lanning told reporters, "Poncho has done a good job of stepping up. I think he's realized that his voice can be heard more."
Beast up front. @poncho2flyy is on the @rimingtontrophy preseason watch list 🦆#GoDucks pic.twitter.com/v3IREMECP0
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) August 9, 2024
His leadership becomes even more important this fall as the Ducks will have four new starters on the offensive line after sending first-rounder Josh Conerly and Ajani Cornelius, Nishad Strother and Marcus Harper II to NFL camps.
The Ducks are counting on Poncho to be the glue that gets the line working with a "five as one" mentality, on the same page and efficient as they operate in front of a new starter at quarterback.
At Oregon Media Days on Monday Laloulu told reporters, "My goal is to not come back after the season." He wants to follow the example of Jackson Powers-Johnson by winning the Rimington as a junior and declaring for the NFL draft.
At spring practice Will Stein said of the junior from Farrington High School in Honolulu, Hawaii, "He was an underclassman last year, but now for me, he is the anchor up front. He didn't necessarily start as a freshman, but he played a lot, so to me, he's almost like a three-year starter for us. He's definitely one of our leaders."
He's a fan favorite for the pride he takes in his work. Off the field, Laloulu is an avid musician and singer who plays ukele, bass and guitar.
Oregon center Iapani "Poncho" Laloulu inspired by his beloved hometown of Kailhi ahead of Rose Bowl game against Ohio State in College Football Playoff quarterfinals on New Years Day • For more coverage, including full interview w/ @APSteadham + a complete look at Hawaii ties in… pic.twitter.com/E4nkEIvy8I
— Rob DeMello (@RobDeMelloKHON) December 31, 2024