The NCAA has given Montana linebacker Solomon Tuliaupupu a ninth year of eligibility, and he will return for the 2026 campaign.
On Monday, the school shared on social media that Tuliaupupu and Dylan Jemtegaard, a sixth-year offensive lineman, will be returning.
After beginning his collegiate career at USC in 2018, Tuliaupupu, who turns 26 in March, is completing his second season at Montana. He missed his full USC undergraduate season due to two injuries that required surgery, affecting his knee (2020) and foot (2018).
It was only the linebacker’s second full season and third with game activity during his first season at Montana, where he was selected ninth overall.
He made his first appearance on the field as a redshirt senior in 2022, playing in all 14 Trojan games and recording one quarterback hurry and 10 tackles, including three for a loss.
In 2023, Tuliaupupu missed the entire season due to yet another injury. He played in seven games for the Trojans before his season was cut short due to illness in 2024, when he concluded his time at USC. In 2025, he moved to Montana.
Bobby Kennedy, the new Montana coach, will coach Tuliaupupu. Bobby Hauck, who was hired defensive coordinator at Illinois on Monday following a brief retirement, will be replaced by Kennedy.
