Solomon Tuliaupupu age has become a talking point across college football as the Montana Grizzlies linebacker prepares for an unprecedented ninth season at the NCAA level in 2026. At 25 years old and turning 26 in March 2026, Tuliaupupu stands as one of the most experienced active players in the sport today. His journey is not defined by longevity alone, but by perseverance through injury, academic achievement, and a commitment to finish what he started.
This article takes a comprehensive look at his background, career timeline, eligibility status, and why his age matters in the evolving landscape of college athletics.
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A Standout Beginning in Southern California
Solomon Nokeakua-Stroud Tuliaupupu grew up in Southern California, where football is deeply ingrained in local culture. He attended Mater Dei High School, a nationally recognized powerhouse known for producing elite college and professional talent.
During his senior season, Tuliaupupu established himself as one of the most dominant defensive players in the country. His performance earned him the High School Butkus Award, given annually to the nation’s top linebacker. He was also recognized as a national All-American, solidifying his status as one of the most coveted recruits in his class.
Physically imposing at over six feet tall with elite athletic instincts, he entered college football with expectations of making an immediate impact.
Entering College Football With USC
Tuliaupupu enrolled at the University of Southern California in 2018, joining one of the most high-profile programs in the nation. His arrival generated excitement, but his career quickly took an unexpected turn.
A serious foot injury before the start of his freshman season forced him into a redshirt year. While he remained with the team and continued rehabilitation, the injury delayed his on-field debut.
The following seasons brought additional setbacks. Multiple injuries limited his availability and disrupted his development. Despite the challenges, Tuliaupupu remained in the program, working through rehabilitation cycles and staying engaged with the team.
Breaking Through After Years of Setbacks
After several seasons of limited action, Tuliaupupu finally enjoyed extended playing time in 2022. He appeared in 14 games and contributed as a linebacker, recording tackles and sacks while rotating into the defensive scheme.
That season represented a turning point. It marked the first time he was able to consistently translate his high school potential to the college level.
However, injuries once again affected his momentum in subsequent seasons. The physical toll of years of rehabilitation and recovery ultimately led him to consider a change of environment.
A Transfer That Changed Everything
In 2025, Tuliaupupu transferred to the University of Montana, seeking a fresh start and an opportunity to play a larger role on defense.
The move proved beneficial. With the Montana Grizzlies, he saw regular playing time and became a reliable presence in the linebacking unit. During the 2025 season, he appeared in all 14 games and recorded approximately 43 total tackles.
The consistency he found at Montana contrasted sharply with the injury-interrupted years earlier in his career. It also demonstrated his ability to contribute meaningfully even after nearly a decade in college football programs.
The Ninth-Year Eligibility Decision
One of the most significant developments in Tuliaupupu’s career came in early 2026, when he received approval to compete for a ninth season of college football.
This decision placed him among an extremely small group of players who have been granted eligibility beyond eight seasons. The approval was based on a combination of redshirt years and injury-related hardship seasons that limited his ability to compete during earlier parts of his career.
As a result, Tuliaupupu will enter the 2026 season at an age rarely seen in college football.
Why Solomon Tuliaupupu Age Matters
The conversation around Solomon Tuliaupupu age goes far beyond a simple number. His age highlights how NCAA eligibility rules have adapted to address injuries, medical hardship, and extended recovery periods.
In previous eras, players with similar injury histories might have exhausted eligibility before ever seeing extended playing time. Modern rules allow for a more individualized assessment, giving athletes the chance to fully compete after lost seasons.
Turning 26 during the 2026 season makes Tuliaupupu one of the oldest active players in Division I football. Yet he remains fully eligible under current guidelines, illustrating how college athletics continues to evolve.
Balancing Football and Academics
While his football career extended across nearly a decade, Tuliaupupu also made significant academic progress.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2022. Later, he completed a master’s degree in Project Management. His academic success reflects discipline and focus beyond the field.
Many athletes struggle to balance coursework with the physical demands of football. Tuliaupupu managed to do both across multiple institutions while navigating injury recovery and roster competition.
Leadership Built Through Experience
Few players bring the level of experience Tuliaupupu offers to a college locker room. His journey through adversity provides perspective that younger teammates often lack.
Years spent rehabbing injuries, competing for playing time, and adapting to different programs have shaped his approach to leadership. Coaches value players who understand preparation, patience, and accountability.
At Montana, his presence adds stability to the defense. He understands game preparation at a high level and serves as a resource for teammates navigating their own challenges.
On-Field Contributions and Playing Style
As a linebacker, Tuliaupupu relies on physicality, positioning, and football IQ. While injuries limited his early years, his later seasons showed a player capable of reading offenses and making consistent tackles.
His 2025 season at Montana demonstrated durability and reliability. Appearing in every game, he contributed across multiple defensive situations and helped anchor the unit through a full schedule.
Although raw athletic explosiveness may have diminished over time, experience and technique have become defining elements of his game.
The 2026 Season Outlook
Entering the 2026 season, Tuliaupupu is expected to compete for a meaningful role on the Montana defense.
His goals are straightforward: remain healthy, contribute consistently, and help the program succeed. At this stage of his career, personal milestones matter less than finishing strong.
The ninth season also represents closure. It allows him to complete his college football journey on his own terms after years of interruption.
A Career That Defies Convention
Most college football players complete eligibility within four or five seasons. Even extended careers rarely exceed six or seven years.
Tuliaupupu’s timeline includes:
- Elite national recognition in high school
- A redshirt freshman year
- Multiple injury-affected seasons
- A full competitive season at a major program
- A transfer and productive year at Montana
- Approval for a ninth season
This sequence makes his story one of the most unusual in modern college football.
Legacy Beyond Statistics
While his career statistics are modest compared to players with uninterrupted development, Tuliaupupu’s legacy extends beyond numbers.
His perseverance, academic success, and commitment to finishing his career set an example for student-athletes navigating adversity. His path illustrates that development is not always linear and that resilience can extend opportunity.
For many fans, his story represents the human side of college football — persistence in the face of repeated setbacks.
Final Thoughts
Solomon Tuliaupupu’s journey challenges conventional ideas about age, eligibility, and success in college sports. His ninth season is not simply an anomaly; it reflects years of determination and adaptation within a changing system.
As the 2026 season approaches, his presence serves as a reminder that careers unfold differently for every athlete — and that perseverance can redefine what is possible.
What are your thoughts on extended eligibility and long college football careers like Tuliaupupu’s? Join the conversation and stay tuned for updates as the season unfolds.
