Hawaii fell short of earning bowl-eligibility again in 2024. However, the Rainbow Warriors showed promise down the stretch of last season.
They went 5-7 overall and 3-4 in Mountain West play. But they won three of their last five contests with victories over Nevada, Fresno State, and New Mexico. They also lost to UNLV by just two points during that span.
Will the Rainbow Warriors find a way to sustain that momentum going in 2025?
Hawaii Football’s Mountain West Title Betting Odds
Hawaii’s odds to win the Mountain West are +2000, via BetMGM.
Hawaii Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total
Hawaii’s win total Over/Under is 5.5, with Under 5.5 at +125 and Over 5.5 at -150.
Hawaii Football’s 2025 Schedule
Aug. 23 vs. Stanford
Aug. 30 @ Arizona
Sept. 6 vs. Sam Houston
Sept. 13 vs. Portland State
Sept. 20 vs. Fresno State
Sept. 27 @ Air Force
Oct. 11 vs. Utah State
Oct. 18 @ Colorado State
Nov. 1 @ San Jose State
Nov. 8 vs. San Diego State
Nov. 21 @ UNLV
Nov. 29 vs. Wyoming
Dec. 5 Mountain West Championship
Bold indicates Mountain West contests
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Key Hawaii Football Returners
2024 All-Mountain West Honorable Mention
DB Peter Manuma
DB Elijah Palmer
DE Elijah Robinson
Hawaii Football Aiming For Improvement
Hawaii had one of the top passing offenses in the Mountain West and a solid defense last year. Despite the talent the Rainbow Warriors lost, there’s reason for optimism considering who’s coming back.
Quarterback Brayden Schager threw for 2,591 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions on a 57.8% completion rate while ranking second on the team with 259 yards and six touchdowns rushing. But he is now gone.
However, there’s some good signal callers on this roster.
Micah Alejado, as a redshirt, started one game against New Mexico and was spectacular. He threw for 469 yards and five touchdowns while completing 37 of 57 passes and rushing for 54 yards. He was the first QB in program history to throw for at least 450 yards and rush for 50 in a single game. His 523 total yards of offense was the second most by anyone in the FBS last year.
Former four-star prospect Dermaricus Davis also transferred to Hawaii after spending the last two years at Washington and, most recently, UCLA.
Hawaii also returns its top two receivers from last year. Nick Cenacle caught 63 passes for 721 yards and six touchdowns in 2024. Pofele Ashlock added 629 yards and six scores on 61 catches a year ago. Landon Sims is back after leading the Rainbow Warriors with 351 yards on the ground a season ago.
As for the offensive line, Hawaii returns three primary starters from last year. Guards Zhen Sotelo and Kuao Peihopa as well as tackle/guard James Milovale are all returning.
While Hawaii was in the bottom half of the Mountain West in total offense and scoring offense last season, the Rainbow Warriors were in the top half for total defense (376.92 yards per game allowed) and scoring defense (26 points per game allowed).
And Hawaii returns its top six tacklers from a season ago.
Defensive backs Peter Manuma and Elijah Palmer are both back. Manuma totaled 43 tackles and three pass breakups with one forced fumble. Palmer added 32 tackles, five pass breakups, one interception, and 4.5 tackles for loss. Defensive end Elijah Robinson is also returning after leading the team with five sacks and 10.5 TFLs to go with 51 tackles and a forced fumble.
Jamih Otis led the team with 55 tackles to go with five TFLs, two sacks, and one fumble recovery in 2024 and is also returning. Logan Taylor, who is also back, was second on the team with 52 tackles while adding a TFL and an interception.
Hawaii Football Season Prediction
I predict Hawaii won’t win the Mountain West and will go Under 5.5 wins.
I think five wins is absolutely possible for the Rainbow Warriors. But reaching .500 and earning bowl-eligibility will be tough.
I don’t expect Hawaii will beat Stanford or Arizona to start the year. I do think it’s possible that Hawaii starts the season 2-2, though. The Rainbow Warriors could defeat Sam Houston and Portland State at home.
But from there, I don’t see four clear wins. The Rainbow Warriors could beat Fresno State, Utah State, San Diego State, and/or Wyoming at home. But I don’t see them winning all of those matchups. And taking on teams like Colorado State, San Jose State, and UNLV on the road is going to prove to be difficult.
