OTTAWA – Former San José State linebacker Taniela Latu has signed a professional contract with the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League (CFL).
Latu, who recently participated in multiple NFL rookie minicamps, transitioned to the professional ranks following an outstanding three-year career (2023–25) anchoring the Spartans' defense.
The 6-foot-2, 231-pound native of San Mateo, California, was a model of consistency and production during his time in San Jose. Over 36 career games with the Spartans, Latu racked up an impressive 179 total tackles (86 solo, 93 assisted), 18.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, five pass breakups, one interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
Beyond his on-field production, Latu exemplified excellence in the classroom and the community. In September 2025, he was named a semifinalist for the prestigious William V. Campbell Trophy—commonly referred to as the "Academic Heisman"—which recognizes the nation's absolute best football scholar-athlete for combined academic success, football performance, and exemplary leadership. He was also nominated for the 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and was a multi-time recipient of Academic All-Mountain West honors.
Latu joins former teammate Jordan Pollard in the CFL, who recently signed with the Toronto Argonauts.
Taniela Latu, LB, San Mateo, Calif./Junipero Serra HS/College of San Mateo
- NFF Hampshire Honor Society (2026)
- 2025 William V. Campbell Trophy Semifinalist (2025)
- Fourth Team Phil Steele All-Mountain West (2025)
- Finished career with 179 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, five pass breakups, an interception, two sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery
- Had 65 tackles in 2025 with six tackles for loss, an interception, three pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a sack
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