Welcome to VFB. Hawaii football enters the 2026 season with plenty of momentum after a successful 2025 campaign. The Rainbow Warriors finished 9–4 and ended the year by winning the Hawai‘i Bowl, giving the program an important boost heading into a new season. That strong finish has also raised expectations for the team as it looks to continue its progress under head coach Timmy Chang.
The 2026 Hawaii football schedule includes 12 games, with six home contests and six road games. The season features important Mountain West football matchups, challenging non-conference opponents, and several games against new conference members. Fans will also have multiple opportunities to watch the Rainbow Warriors on national television, making the 2026 season an exciting one for supporters in Hawai‘i and across the country.
Hawaii Football: Team Overview
The Hawaii football team represents the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and competes in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Known as the Rainbow Warriors, the team plays in the Mountain West Conference and has a unique position in college football because of Hawai‘i’s location in the Pacific. Long-distance travel can be challenging, making home-field advantage especially important for the program.
Who Are the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors?
The Rainbow Warriors enter the 2026 season after a strong 2025 campaign. Hawai‘i finished 9–4 and won the Hawai‘i Bowl, giving the program its highest win total since 2019. That result created positive momentum heading into 2026, with the team looking to continue its improvement under head coach Timmy Chang.
The program combines experienced players with new additions as it prepares for another competitive Mountain West football season. With a mix of conference games and non-conference tests ahead, the Rainbow Warriors will need consistency on both sides of the ball to match or improve on their 2025 success.
Where Does Hawaii Play Its Home Games?
The Rainbow Warriors play their home games at the Clarence T.C. Ching Complex in Honolulu. The venue provides a familiar setting for the team and gives local supporters a chance to experience Hawaii football games in person. Six of Hawai‘i’s 12 regular-season games are scheduled to be played at home in 2026.
Fans planning to attend should check the latest official schedule before game day. Kickoff times, television coverage, and other details can change, so confirming the information in advance makes it easier to plan tickets, travel, and arrival time.
Hawaii Football 2026 Schedule
The Hawaii football schedule features 12 regular-season games in 2026, with six home games and six road contests. Hawai‘i opens the season at Stanford on August 29 before hosting UNLV in the home opener on September 5. The schedule also gives the Rainbow Warriors their first meetings with several teams, including North Dakota State and Northern Illinois, while adding UTEP to the conference schedule.
Complete 2026 Hawaii Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Location | Conference |
| Aug. 29 | Stanford | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept. 5 | UNLV | Home | Mountain West |
| Sept. 12 | New Mexico State | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept. 26 | Wyoming | Away | Mountain West |
| Oct. 3 | San José State | Home | Mountain West |
| Oct. 10 | Arizona State | Away | Non-conference |
| Oct. 17 | New Mexico | Home | Mountain West |
| Oct. 24 | Northern Illinois | Away | Mountain West |
| Nov. 7 | UTEP | Away | Mountain West |
| Nov. 14 | North Dakota State | Home | Mountain West |
| Nov. 21 | Nevada | Away | Mountain West |
| Nov. 28 | Sacramento State | Home | Non-conference |
The schedule includes bye weeks during the season, giving the team opportunities to recover between stretches of games. The matchup with North Dakota State is especially notable because it will be the first meeting between the two programs. Hawai‘i will also visit Northern Illinois for the first time, adding a new road destination to the 2026 college football schedule.
Home Games to Watch
The home schedule gives Hawaii football fans several important matchups to follow. UNLV is an early highlight because the Rebels were Mountain West co-regular-season champions in 2025. New Mexico is another notable opponent, while North Dakota State brings additional interest because it is a new Mountain West football member and finished 2025 with 12 wins.
Hawai‘i will also host New Mexico State, San José State, and Sacramento State. These games provide a mix of conference football and non-conference competition, giving the Rainbow Warriors several chances to strengthen their home record.
Toughest Road Games
The Hawaii football schedule includes six road games, starting with Stanford. Hawai‘i will also travel to Wyoming, Arizona State, Northern Illinois, UTEP, and Nevada during the regular season. These games will test the team’s ability to perform away from Honolulu.
The trip to Arizona State stands out because it is another road matchup against a Power Four opponent. The visit to Northern Illinois is also important because it will be Hawai‘i’s first game in DeKalb. Long-distance travel will remain a major factor, making preparation and consistency especially important on the road.
Read Also: Arizona Football 2026: Schedule, Roster, Players, Coach, Tickets and More
Hawaii Football Roster and Key Players
The 2026 Hawaii football roster features a mix of returning players, transfers, and younger athletes competing for important roles. The team has depth across the offense and defense, with several players expected to compete for starting positions as the season approaches.
2026 Hawaii Football Roster
The roster includes players with previous college football experience as well as newer additions to the program. Micah Alejado is among the quarterbacks on the roster, while Pofele Ashlock gives the offense an experienced option at wide receiver. Hawai‘i also has returning talent and transfers across the defensive line and secondary.
College football rosters can change because of transfers, injuries, and other offseason developments. For that reason, fans looking for the latest Hawaii football roster should check the official Hawai‘i Athletics roster for updated player information.
Players to Watch in 2026
The quarterback position will be one of the main areas to follow during the 2026 season. Micah Alejado is an important player for Hawaii football after gaining experience during the 2025 campaign. His development, along with the performance of the receiving group, could have a major effect on the team’s offensive consistency.
The defense also deserves attention, particularly the secondary and defensive front. Returning players will work alongside transfers to create a stronger unit, which could be important during challenging road games. Instead of focusing only on individual numbers, fans should also watch how well the Hawaii football team works together throughout the season.
Hawaii Football Coaching Staff
The coaching staff plays an important role in preparing the Hawaii football team for the 2026 season. The program has coaches responsible for offense, defense, special teams, and individual position groups, helping players develop in specific areas of the game.
Head Coach Timmy Chang
Timmy Chang enters his fifth season as the Hawaii football head coach in 2026. Hired in January 2022, Chang became the program’s 25th head coach and brought a strong connection to Hawai‘i because he previously played quarterback for the Rainbow Warriors.
Chang guided the team to a 9–4 record and a Hawai‘i Bowl victory in 2025. That success gives him a strong foundation heading into 2026, when the goal will be to maintain the team’s progress and compete consistently against a challenging Mountain West football schedule.
Offensive and Defensive Coaching Staff
Anthony Arceneaux serves as offensive coordinator and running backs coach, while Dennis Thurman leads the defense as defensive coordinator. Jared Ursua works as pass game coordinator and wide receivers coach, giving the offense additional leadership in the passing game.
Thomas Sheffield oversees special teams, while other members of the Rainbow Warriors football program coach positions such as quarterbacks, offensive line, tight ends, defensive line, safeties, and cornerbacks. This position-based structure allows the staff to focus closely on player development across the entire team.
Hawaii Football TV Schedule and How to Watch
Fans following hawaii football should check the latest broadcast details before each game because television networks, streaming options, and kickoff times can vary. Some 2026 games already have confirmed national networks, while other matchups may have coverage announced or updated closer to game day.
Nationally Televised Hawaii Football Games
Seven Hawaii football games are scheduled for national television during the 2026 season. The schedule includes coverage from ACC Network, The CW, and FOX Networks, giving fans several ways to watch the Rainbow Warriors outside Hawai‘i.
| Date | Opponent | Network |
| Aug. 29 | at Stanford | ACC Network |
| Sept. 5 | vs. UNLV | The CW |
| Sept. 26 | at Wyoming | The CW |
| Oct. 17 | vs. New Mexico | FOX Networks |
| Nov. 7 | at UTEP | FOX Networks |
| Nov. 14 | vs. North Dakota State | The CW |
| Nov. 21 | at Nevada | FOX Networks |
These nationally televised games include several important Mountain West football matchups. Fans should still verify the latest listing before game day because kickoff times or broadcast details can change.
Streaming and Local Broadcast Options
Four additional Hawaii football games are scheduled for MW+: New Mexico State, San José State, Northern Illinois, and Sacramento State. Some games also have K5/MW+ listed for local viewing, giving Hawai‘i fans additional coverage options.
For the latest college football streaming information, fans should check the official Hawai‘i Athletics schedule and confirm the network or streaming service listed for each matchup. This is the easiest way to avoid relying on outdated broadcast information.
Hawaii Football Tickets and Home Game Experience
The Hawaii football tickets process is straightforward, but fans should plan for popular home games. The 2026 season includes six games at the Clarence T.C. Ching Complex, giving supporters several chances to watch the Rainbow Warriors in Honolulu. Checking official ticket information, game times, and stadium details before attending can make the overall college football game-day experience easier and more enjoyable.
How to Get Hawaii Football Tickets
Fans looking for Hawaii football tickets should check official Hawai‘i Athletics ticket information for current prices, availability, seating options, and purchasing details. Season tickets are useful for supporters planning to attend multiple games, while individual tickets are better for fans who only want to attend selected matchups.
UNLV, New Mexico, and North Dakota State are among the notable home opponents in 2026 and could attract additional interest. Buying tickets early can help fans get better seating choices and avoid last-minute availability problems.
What to Know Before Attending a Home Game
Before attending a Hawaii football game at the Clarence T.C. Ching Complex, fans should confirm the game date, kickoff time, ticket details, and any updated stadium information. Arriving early can provide enough time for parking, entry, and finding the correct seating area.
Fans traveling for a game should also plan transportation and other arrangements in advance. Checking the official game information shortly before leaving is important because kickoff times and other details can change during the season.
What Happened in Hawaii Football in 2025?
The 2025 season was an important turning point for Hawaii football. The Rainbow Warriors finished with a winning record, performed strongly at home, and ended the year with a bowl victory. That combination gave the program valuable momentum and created higher expectations heading into the 2026 season.
2025 Season Results
The Rainbow Warriors finished the 2025 regular season with a 9–4 overall record and went 5–3 in Mountain West football play. Their home performance was particularly strong, as Hawai‘i won seven of eight games at the Clarence T.C. Ching Complex. The team also earned 11 All-Mountain West recognitions, the most in program history.
Hawai‘i closed the season with a dramatic 35–31 comeback victory over California in the Hawai‘i Bowl. The win gave the program its third consecutive bowl victory and provided a strong finish to a season that showed clear improvement.
What 2025 Means for the 2026 Season
The success of 2025 gives Hawaii football a solid foundation for the new season. A nine-win campaign and bowl championship can build confidence, but the team will still need to prove that it can maintain that level against a challenging 2026 schedule.
The new season brings difficult road trips and several new Mountain West opponents. Strong home performances will remain important, while consistency away from Honolulu could determine how far the Rainbow Warriors can go in 2026.
Biggest Storylines for Hawaii Football in 2026
The 2026 season brings several important questions for hawaii football. After a nine-win campaign in 2025, the Rainbow Warriors will be judged on whether they can maintain that progress while dealing with new Mountain West football opponents, difficult road trips, and strong non-conference competition.
Can Hawaii Build on Its 9-Win Season?
The Rainbow Warriors enter 2026 with greater expectations after finishing 9–4 last season. The challenge now is to turn that successful campaign into consistent results rather than treating it as a one-season improvement. Early games against Stanford and UNLV could quickly show how prepared the team is.
Strong performances at home will also be important because Hawai‘i had considerable success at the Clarence T.C. Ching Complex in 2025. Maintaining that home form while improving on the road could give the team a better chance of competing near the top of the conference.
How Will the New-Look Mountain West Affect Hawaii?
Hawai‘i will face three new members of the Mountain West Conference in 2026: Northern Illinois, UTEP, and North Dakota State. The Rainbow Warriors will travel to Northern Illinois and UTEP while hosting North Dakota State, creating new matchups that add variety to the conference schedule.
North Dakota State could be particularly interesting because the Bison finished 2025 with 12 wins before joining the conference. Playing unfamiliar opponents also means Hawai‘i will need to prepare carefully for different styles and schemes.
Can Hawaii Handle Its Non-Conference Tests?
The non-conference schedule gives Hawaii football four opportunities to strengthen its overall record. Hawai‘i opens at Stanford and later visits Arizona State, while New Mexico State and Sacramento State will visit Honolulu.
The two road games present the bigger challenge because of travel and unfamiliar environments. Good results in these matchups could improve Hawai‘i’s position before the most important stretch of conference football begins.
Common Mistakes Hawaii Football Fans Should Avoid
Following hawaii football is easier when fans use current and reliable information. Schedule details, kickoff times, broadcasts, tickets, and rosters can change during the season, so checking official sources can prevent common planning mistakes.
- Using an outdated schedule
Check the latest Hawaii football schedule before planning around a game because dates and details can change. - Assuming every kickoff time is finalized
Some games may have a TBA time. Confirm the latest kickoff information before making travel or viewing plans. - Ignoring broadcast changes
Check the listed TV network or streaming service before game day so you know where to watch. - Waiting too long to arrange tickets
Popular home games can attract more fans. Buying tickets early can provide better seating options. - Confusing home and away games
Hawai‘i has six home and six road games in 2026. Always check the location before arranging travel. - Relying on unofficial roster information
College football rosters can change during the season. Use the official Hawai‘i Athletics roster for the latest player details.
How to Follow Hawaii Football Throughout the 2026 Season
Following hawaii football throughout the 2026 season is simple if fans regularly check reliable team information. A few basic steps can help supporters stay updated on games, broadcasts, results, and roster changes without relying on outdated information.
- Check the official schedule
Start with the Hawai‘i Athletics football schedule for the latest dates, opponents, locations, and game updates. - Confirm the kickoff time
Check the game time before each matchup, especially when planning travel or attending a home game. - Check TV and streaming details
Look at the latest broadcast listing to find the correct network or college football streaming option. - Review team updates
Follow roster changes, player news, and other important updates that could affect the team’s lineup. - Follow game results
Check the final score and updated record after each game to track Hawai‘i’s progress. - Recheck information before game day
Confirm the schedule, location, broadcast, and ticket details before attending or watching a game.
Using these steps throughout the 2026 college football season makes it easier to follow the Rainbow Warriors and keep up with important changes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii Football
What is the Hawaii football team called?
The University of Hawai‘i football team is known as the Rainbow Warriors. The program competes in the FBS and is part of the Mountain West.
Who is the head coach of Hawaii football?
Timmy Chang is the head coach of hawaii football. He enters his fifth season leading the program in 2026.
Where does Hawaii football play its home games?
The Rainbow Warriors play their home games at the Clarence T.C. Ching Complex in Honolulu, Hawai‘i.
Is Hawaii football part of the Mountain West?
Yes. Hawai‘i competes in the Mountain West Conference. Its 2026 conference schedule includes games against UNLV, Wyoming, San José State, New Mexico, Northern Illinois, UTEP, North Dakota State, and Nevada.
Where can fans watch Hawaii football games?
Fans can watch different games through networks and services including ACC Network, The CW, FOX Networks, MW+, and local coverage. The exact broadcast depends on the game, so fans should check the official schedule.
Conclusion
The 2026 season gives hawaii football an opportunity to build on a successful 2025 campaign. A 9–4 record, a Hawai‘i Bowl victory, and strong home performance have created positive momentum around the Rainbow Warriors.
With 12 games, six home contests, new Mountain West opponents, difficult road trips, and several nationally televised matchups, there is plenty to watch. Fans should keep checking the official schedule for the latest kickoff, broadcast, roster, and ticket information throughout the season.
