​It may not have captured nationwide headlines, but Timmy Chang has engineered one of the most impressive rebuilding jobs in college football over the past four seasons. He inherited a program that had to start from scratch after the transfer portal emptied the roster following the Todd Graham era, and he stepped in as the legendary quarterback tasked with restoring Hawaii’s former glory. Now, it’s clear he delivered.
From three wins to back-to-back five-win seasons and then a 9-4 campaign that featured bookend victories over ACC programs Stanford and Cal, the Rainbow Warriors have emerged as a legitimate contender once again. The team’s resurgence mirrors the days when Chang was dazzling defenses with his arm, as Hawaii continues to lean into a high-octane passing attack that defines its identity.
There may be some missing pieces, but Hawaii has rebuilt a foundation strong enough to be competitive in a Mountain West Conference that is undergoing significant realignment, with Boise State, San Diego State, Fresno State, Colorado State, and Utah State moving to the Pac-12. The program has shown enough resilience and growth to dream big once more—perhaps even contending for the Mountain West title.
Head Coach: Timmy Chang (5th year, 22-29)
Best Case / Worst Case: Win the Mountain West / Third five-win season in four years
Key Player: Micah Alejado, QB Soph.
2025 Record: 8-4
Biggest Question: Can Timmy Chang continue rebuilding and win with a slew of new players?
Passing Attempts: Hawaii 540, Opponents 394
Sacks: Hawaii 30 for 196 yards, Opponents 30 for 189 yards
Fourth Down Conversions: Hawaii 12-of-20 (60%), Opponents 7-of-23 (30.4%)
Last season, Hawaii’s offense surged, especially at home, and there’s no sign of it slowing down. The Rainbow Warriors averaged 394 yards and 29 points per game for the most part, driven by a potent aerial attack. In the fifth season under Chang, this is the year when the offense should hit its stride even further.
Micah Alejado is back. In today’s transfer portal landscape, the sophomore quarterback remains in Hawaii, having thrown for over 3,100 yards and 24 touchdowns with nine interceptions, while also contributing with the occasional run. He’s a special spark plug who consistently gives the Rainbow Warriors a chance to win, and the offense around him should grow even more.
The receiving corps figures to keep climbing in production, starting with the primary target. Pofele Ashlock delivered a team-high 76 receptions for 829 yards, and Tama Uiliata is a quick, dangerous sophomore who should do even more after recording 28 catches last season. The transfer portal helped Hawaii add depth and talent, bringing in Audric Harris (Washington), Tre Griffiths (Oklahoma State), and Carson Brown (Iowa State). They may not all arrive with extensive college-game experience, but they bring Power Five-level tools and potential to elevate the offense.
The ground game still matters. Hawaii will continue to lean into its aerial assault, but when the rushing attack tops 95 yards, the team is undefeated (7-0) in that scenario. Second-leading rusher Cam Barfield is a crafty, versatile back who is ready to take on a larger workload and help balance the offense, especially as the schedule intensifies.
In sum, the Rainbow Warriors have transformed from a team rebuilt from the ground up into a program capable of sustained success in a changing conference landscape. With a veteran, productive quarterback, a dynamic group of receivers, and a strategic infusion of transfer talent, Hawaii could be positioned for another strong season and perhaps even a Mountain West title run. The path is challenging, but the foundation Chang has laid makes a compelling case for continued optimism and a definitive step forward for Rainbow Warriors football.