CFP QUARTERFINAL AT THE CAPITAL ONE ORANGE BOWL: OREGON VS TEXAS TECH

December 30, 2025

Iapani Laloulu

Hard Rock Stadium

Oregon Ducks

Press Conference

Q. What gives you that pride in being from Hawai'i and playing for the University of Oregon?

IAPANI LALOULU: For me, I appreciate just getting back to my faith and my family, my roots, where I've come from is really big. We talk about pride in our culture, and I carry that around a lot, especially with my faith and the way that I carry myself. I just want to make sure I carry myself in the best way possible and to be a role model and an example for the kids in Hawai'i.

Q. What would you like to say to the folks in Hawai'i?

IAPANI LALOULU: I'd say I love all you guys and wish you guys were all here with me, but hopefully you all tune in on January 1st and watch me play in the Orange Bowl.

Q. What is it like for you playing for the University of Oregon?

IAPANI LALOULU: It's been an honor and it's been a blessing. Like I was saying earlier, there's a lot of kids, a lot of people that wish they could be in my seat but unfortunately weren't able to. I'm just blessed and thankful that the Lord has blessed me to be able to be here and to play for the University of Oregon. What a beautiful program. One of the best programs in this nation.

Q. You're going up against one of the best defensive lines, a really talented bunch. When you watch that film, what stands out to you and how you're going to be successful?

IAPANI LALOULU: I think one of the biggest things, as we were saying earlier, it's their effort. It don't matter how far away from the ball, chasing the ball, they're going to try to punch the ball out. So it's up to us as a front five, we want to make sure we're chasing the ball the best way we can. We want to make sure that we have possession all game and not give it up at all.

Q. What's unique about them that maybe you've seen from other teams?

IAPANI LALOULU: One thing that really stands out is their effort and their tenacity and their speed off the edge. Their two edges are really awesome, and their two interior, they do a great job, too. Texas Tech does a great job with their guys making sure that they're ready and prepared to play well when it comes to their approach.

Q. Do you know who you're going to be going against primarily this game?

IAPANI LALOULU: I think it'll be their nose tackle, No. 2. I forgot his name, but I'm sure I'll probably be going against him primarily the whole game, but we'll be ready for it.