While there’s been plenty of controversy surrounding NIL in college sports and the chaos it has contributed to, one player’s story is giving, at least, some pause. 

Penn State defensive tackle Siale Taupaki is in his eighth season of college football, and while normally that would draw criticism, his reason for playing collegiately is quite noble. 

“My parents are still struggling,” Taupaki told reporters on Tuesday, with the quote picking up steam as the week has gone on. “I’m broke, so while everybody else is still trying to buy their next pendant or buy their next car, I’m really just trying to fill in all the holes that I have back at home.”

Siale Taupaki of the UCLA Bruins looks on before a game against the Washington Huskies at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, on Nov. 22, 2025. Getty Images

The 25-year-old grew up in California after his parents emigrated to the United States from the Pacific island nation of Tonga. His story and background have struck a chord with many. 

The Reading Eagle profiled Taupaki last month, noting his years of hardship from spending four years unhoused in Oakland, Calif. The family was evicted from their home when he was in seventh grade, and they had to leave a relative’s home later due to overcrowding. It forced them to go from hotel to hotel. 

At one point, the Taupaki family, which includes three other children in addition to Siale Taupak, secretly lived in a church. 

The journey left an indelible mark on him and the responsibility he’s taken for helping his family. 

Taupaki was previously at UCLA before transferring to Penn State, and he was able able to spend seven years with the Bruins football program. Since he redshirted as a true freshman, he had an extra year of eligibility because of COVID and dealt with injuries. 

UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Siale Taupaki rushes Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback TJ Lateef during a game on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

He called the eighth season of college football a “big opportunity” for him to help his family. 

“I really try to take advantage and take full advantage of the opportunity that I can with the platform because I come from nothing,” Taupaki said. “When I go home, I’m not even a football player. I’m still a son, so everything that I’ve got to do beforehand and [after], I’ve got to do it based off my parents.” 

Last weekend, he started in the Nittany Lions’ season opener against Marshall and assisted on one tackle.