Hawaii football heads into the 2026 season with growing confidence following a strong 2025 campaign. The Rainbow Warriors finished 9–4 and capped the season with a victory in the Hawai‘i Bowl, giving the program valuable momentum heading into the new year. With head coach Timmy Chang continuing to lead the team, expectations are higher as Hawaii looks to build on last season’s success and take another step forward.
The 2026 Hawaii football schedule features 12 games, including six home matchups and six road contests. The schedule includes key Mountain West football games, demanding non-conference opponents, and matchups against several new conference members. With multiple opportunities to appear on national television, the Rainbow Warriors are set for an exciting season that should attract plenty of attention from fans in Hawai‘i and around the country.
Hawaii Football: Team Overview
The Hawaii football team represents the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and competes at the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level. Known as the Rainbow Warriors, the program is a member of the Mountain West Conference and holds a distinctive place in college football because of Hawai‘i’s geographic location in the Pacific. The considerable travel distance involved in conference and non-conference games can create additional challenges, making strong performances at home particularly important for the program.
Who Are the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors?
The Rainbow Warriors head into the 2026 season following an impressive 2025 campaign. Hawai‘i finished with a 9–4 record and capped the year with a victory in the Hawai‘i Bowl, giving the program its highest win total since 2019. The successful season provided valuable momentum heading into 2026, as the team aims to build on that progress under head coach Timmy Chang.
The program enters another competitive Mountain West football season with a combination of experienced players and new additions. With conference matchups and challenging non-conference games on the schedule, Hawai‘i will look to maintain consistency on both offense and defense. Building on the foundation established in 2025 will be important as the Rainbow Warriors pursue another successful season.
Where Does Hawaii Play Its Home Games?
The Rainbow Warriors host their home games at the Clarence T.C. Ching Complex in Honolulu, giving the team a familiar environment and local fans an opportunity to watch Hawaii football games in person. During the 2026 regular season, six of Hawai‘i’s 12 scheduled games are set to take place at home, providing several chances for supporters to see the Rainbow Warriors compete on their own field.
Fans planning to attend a game should review the latest official schedule before heading to the stadium. Kickoff times, television information, and other game-day details may change during the season. Checking the most recent information in advance can help fans organize tickets, transportation, travel plans, and arrival times more easily.
Hawaii Football 2026 Schedule
The Hawaii football schedule features 12 regular-season games in 2026, split evenly between six home contests and six road games. Hawai‘i begins the season on the road against Stanford on August 29 before returning home to face UNLV in the September 5 home opener. The schedule also introduces the Rainbow Warriors to several new opponents, including North Dakota State and Northern Illinois, while UTEP joins the conference slate.
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 notable matchups to look forward to during the 2026 season. UNLV stands out as an early highlight, especially after the Rebels shared the Mountain West regular-season championship in 2025. New Mexico is another important opponent, while North Dakota State adds extra interest as a new Mountain West football member following a 12-win season in 2025.
Hawai‘i will also welcome New Mexico State, San José State, and Sacramento State to its home schedule. These matchups offer a combination of conference football and non-conference competition, giving the Rainbow Warriors multiple opportunities to perform in front of their home fans and build a strong home record throughout the season.
Toughest Road Games
The Hawaii football schedule features six road games during the 2026 regular season, beginning with a matchup against Stanford. Hawai‘i will also travel to Wyoming, Arizona State, Northern Illinois, UTEP, and Nevada. These away games will provide a demanding test for the Rainbow Warriors as they look to maintain consistency outside Honolulu.
The trip to Arizona State is particularly notable because it gives Hawai‘i another road matchup against a Power Four opponent. The visit to Northern Illinois also marks the program’s first game in DeKalb. With several long-distance trips on the schedule, careful preparation and consistent performances will be important for the Rainbow Warriors throughout the road portion of the season.
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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 Hawaii football roster features a combination of returning players, transfers, and newer additions with previous college football experience. Micah Alejado is one of the quarterbacks on the roster, while Pofele Ashlock provides the offense with an experienced option at wide receiver. Hawai‘i also brings back talent and adds transfers across the defensive line and secondary, creating a mix of experience and new contributors.
Like most college football rosters, Hawai‘i’s lineup can change throughout the offseason because of transfers, injuries, and other roster developments. Fans searching for the latest Hawaii football roster should check the official Hawai‘i Athletics roster for the most current information on players, positions, and roster updates.
Players to Watch in 2026
The quarterback position will be one of the key areas to watch during the 2026 season. Micah Alejado is an important part of Hawaii football after gaining valuable experience during the 2025 campaign. His continued development, along with the performance of the receiving group, could play an important role in the team’s offensive consistency throughout the season.
The defense will also be worth following, especially the secondary and defensive front. Returning players will join forces with transfers as Hawai‘i looks to build a more reliable defensive unit for the challenges ahead. Rather than focusing only on individual statistics, fans can also watch how effectively the Hawaii football team performs as a complete unit throughout the 2026 season.
Hawaii Football Coaching Staff
The coaching staff plays a key role in preparing the Hawaii football team for the 2026 season. Coaches are assigned to oversee the offense, defense, special teams, and individual position groups, allowing players to receive focused instruction and develop the skills needed for their respective roles.
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 brings a strong connection to Hawai‘i, having previously played quarterback for the Rainbow Warriors. His experience with the program adds a familiar perspective as he continues to lead the team.
Under Chang, Hawai‘i finished the 2025 season with a 9–4 record and secured a victory in the Hawai‘i Bowl. That successful campaign provides a solid foundation heading into 2026, as the Rainbow Warriors look to continue their progress and compete consistently throughout a challenging Mountain West football schedule.
Offensive and Defensive Coaching Staff
Anthony Arceneaux serves as the offensive coordinator and running backs coach, while Dennis Thurman oversees the defense as defensive coordinator. Jared Ursua works as the pass game coordinator and wide receivers coach, adding further leadership to the offense and its passing game.
Thomas Sheffield is responsible for special teams, while other members of the Rainbow Warriors football program coach specific position groups, including quarterbacks, offensive line, tight ends, defensive line, safeties, and cornerbacks. This position-based coaching structure gives players specialized instruction and allows the staff to focus on development throughout the entire team.
Hawaii Football TV Schedule and How to Watch
Fans following Hawaii football should check the latest broadcast information before each game, as television networks, streaming platforms, and kickoff times can vary throughout the season. Some 2026 matchups already have confirmed national television coverage, while details for other games may be announced or updated closer to game day.
Nationally Televised Hawaii Football Games
Seven Hawaii football games are scheduled to receive national television coverage during the 2026 season. Broadcast partners include ACC Network, The CW, and FOX Networks, giving Rainbow Warriors fans several options to follow the team from 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 to appear on MW+, including matchups against New Mexico State, San José State, Northern Illinois, and Sacramento State. Some games also list K5/MW+ for local coverage, giving Hawai‘i fans additional options for following the Rainbow Warriors throughout the season.
For the latest college football streaming information, fans should check the official Hawai‘i Athletics schedule before each matchup. Confirming the listed network or streaming service can help ensure fans have the most current broadcast details and avoid relying on outdated information.
Hawaii Football Tickets and Home Game Experience
The Hawaii football tickets process is relatively straightforward, but fans should plan ahead for popular home games. The 2026 season features six games at the Clarence T.C. Ching Complex, giving supporters several opportunities to watch the Rainbow Warriors play in Honolulu. Checking official ticket details, kickoff times, and stadium information before attending can help fans prepare for a smoother college football game-day experience.
How to Get Hawaii Football Tickets
Fans searching for Hawaii football tickets should review the official Hawai‘i Athletics ticket information for the latest prices, availability, seating options, and purchasing details. Season tickets can be a convenient choice for supporters planning to attend several home games, while individual game tickets may work better for those interested in attending only specific matchups.
The 2026 home schedule includes notable opponents such as UNLV, New Mexico, and North Dakota State, which may generate additional interest among local fans. Purchasing tickets early can provide more seating options and help supporters avoid limited availability as game day approaches.
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 information, and any updated stadium details. Arriving early can give supporters enough time to handle parking, enter the venue, and locate their assigned seating area without unnecessary delays.
Fans traveling to Honolulu for a game should also arrange transportation and other plans in advance. It is a good idea to check the latest official game information shortly before leaving, as kickoff times, stadium policies, and other details can change during the season. Planning ahead can help make the overall game-day experience more convenient and enjoyable.
What Happened in Hawaii Football in 2025?
The success of the 2025 campaign gives Hawaii football a strong foundation heading into the new season. A nine-win year and bowl victory can provide added confidence, but the Rainbow Warriors will need to show they can maintain that level of performance against a challenging 2026 schedule.
2025 Season Results
The Rainbow Warriors completed the 2025 regular season with a 9–4 overall record and a 5–3 mark in Mountain West football play. Hawai‘i was particularly strong at home, winning seven of its eight games at the Clarence T.C. Ching Complex. The team also earned 11 All-Mountain West recognitions, the most in program history, highlighting the strong individual performances throughout the season.
Hawai‘i closed out the campaign with an exciting 35–31 comeback victory over California in the Hawai‘i Bowl. The win gave the program its third consecutive bowl victory and capped a season that demonstrated clear progress. The strong finish also created valuable momentum for the Rainbow Warriors as they prepared for the 2026 season.
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 presents several important questions for Hawaii football. Following a nine-win campaign in 2025, the Rainbow Warriors will look to maintain that progress while facing new Mountain West football opponents, challenging road trips, and a demanding non-conference schedule. The team’s ability to carry last season’s momentum into a new year will be an important storyline throughout the season.
Can Hawaii Build on Its 9-Win Season?
The Rainbow Warriors enter the 2026 season with higher expectations after finishing 9–4 in the previous campaign. The focus now will be on turning that successful season into sustained results rather than viewing it as a one-year improvement. Early matchups against Stanford and UNLV should provide an early indication of how well the team is prepared for the challenges ahead.
Strong home performances will remain important for Hawaii football, especially after Hawai‘i enjoyed considerable success at the Clarence T.C. Ching Complex in 2025. Maintaining that home form while becoming more consistent on the road could help the Rainbow Warriors compete effectively throughout the conference schedule and build on last season’s progress.
How Will the New-Look Mountain West Affect Hawaii?
Hawai‘i will take on three new members of the Mountain West Conference during the 2026 season: Northern Illinois, UTEP, and North Dakota State. The Rainbow Warriors will travel to Northern Illinois and UTEP while welcoming North Dakota State at home. These new matchups add variety to the Hawaii football schedule and give the team a chance to face opponents it has not regularly seen in conference play.
North Dakota State could attract particular attention after the Bison finished the 2025 season with 12 wins before joining the conference. Facing unfamiliar teams can also require additional preparation, as Hawai‘i will need to adjust to different offensive approaches, defensive schemes, and playing styles. How well the Rainbow Warriors adapt to these new conference opponents could be an important part of the 2026 season.
Can Hawaii Handle Its Non-Conference Tests?
The non-conference schedule gives Hawaii football four opportunities to build its overall record before the conference schedule becomes the main focus. Hawai‘i opens the season on the road at Stanford and later travels to Arizona State, while New Mexico State and Sacramento State will visit Honolulu. The mix of home and away games provides the Rainbow Warriors with several chances to test themselves against different opponents.
The two road matchups could present an added challenge because of travel demands and unfamiliar playing environments. Strong performances in these games could give Hawai‘i valuable momentum and put the team in a solid position heading into the most important stretch of conference football. How the Rainbow Warriors handle these non-conference tests will be an important part of their 2026 season.
Common Mistakes Hawaii Football Fans Should Avoid
Following Hawaii football is easier when fans rely on current and dependable information throughout the season. Details such as the schedule, kickoff times, television coverage, tickets, and team rosters can change, making it important to check official updates regularly. Staying informed can help fans avoid confusion and plan ahead for upcoming games.
- 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 the progress made during a successful 2025 campaign. The Rainbow Warriors finished 9–4, secured a Hawai‘i Bowl victory, and performed strongly at home, creating positive momentum heading into the new season. The team will now look to carry that momentum forward and continue developing under head coach Timmy Chang.
With 12 regular-season games, six home contests, new Mountain West football opponents, challenging road trips, and several nationally televised matchups, there will be plenty for fans to follow throughout the year. Supporters should continue checking the official schedule for the latest kickoff times, broadcast details, roster updates, and ticket information so they can stay informed as the 2026 season progresses.
