James Tupou is in his second season as a strength and conditioning intern for the Fighting Illini football program in 2024. 

Tupou was a five-year member of the UTEP football team from 2018-22 while majoring in Kinesiology. He played in 57 games as a fullback, totaling 17 receptions for 223 yards and two touchdowns. 

Tupou is a native of Allen, Texas, where he played for the Allen High School football program. He helped the Eagles compile a 28-2 record over two seasons (2015, 2016) and earned 2016 Texas Associated Press Sports Editors Class 6A All-State Honorable Mention on defense.