“I want to be the light for everyone” ~ Pancho Laloulu
I heard about Pancho Laloulu when he signed at Oregon. And I’ve interviewed him many times calling his games during his All-American career. But it wasn’t until today’s Y-Option podcast where I truly felt I got to know him.
You will too, as he shares the story of how he lost his baby brother and the lifelong impact that has had on him and his view of the world.
Pancho was in fourth grade and woke up to yelling in the middle of the night to find his older brother performing CPR on their 11-month-old sibling, Mai. The light of that house. The one who greeted everyone at the door with a smile after school.
Pancho and his family lost him that morning.
And after that Pancho didn’t get quiet, didn’t get resentful. Rather, he got grateful.
That word, grateful, kept coming through in our conversation on today’s Y-Option podcast, fueled by our founding sponsor 76, keeping you on the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat.
As an All-American in 2025 and projected All-Everything in 2026, he lives with the lens that every day above ground is a gift.
Pancho’s path to center is one he almost refused to go down as a freshman. He envisioned himself playing guard, mauling people and leading the Ducks O-line. But when it came, he took it. And when it was hard and taken away, he went back to work.
Heading into 2026 the Duck’s offensive line, once again, is a frontrunner for the Joe Moore Award and Pancho is the centerpiece of it under Coach Dan Lanning. And like Dante Moore, Pancho chose to return for 2026, as this roster is mission minded.
I’ve written about Coach Lanning’s DNA traits often: Connection. Growth. Toughness. Sacrifice. And Pancho is living them at every turn, with every block.
Hope you enjoy today's conversation. We are also grateful for your support as we continue to grow Y-Option here at Substack and on our YouTube channel.
Much love and stay steady,
Yogi
