What's Happening?
In a dramatic finish at the Hawaii Bowl, the University of Hawaii's football team triumphed over California with a 35-31 victory. The game, held in Honolulu, saw backup quarterback Drew Weaver throw a decisive
22-yard touchdown pass to Nick Cenacle with just 10 seconds remaining. This play came after starting quarterback Micah Alejado was sidelined following a hard hit. Under the leadership of coach Timmy Chang, Hawaii achieved its first nine-win season since 2019. Alejado had an impressive performance, completing 32 of 46 passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns, helping the team recover from an early 21-0 deficit. Pofele Ashlock also contributed significantly with 14 catches for 123 yards and two touchdowns. California, led by freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who threw for 343 yards, briefly regained the lead with a late touchdown but ultimately fell short.
Why It's Important?
This victory is significant for Hawaii as it marks a successful season under coach Timmy Chang, highlighting the team's resilience and potential for future success. The win also underscores the effective leadership and strategic decisions made by Chang, a former record-setting quarterback for Hawaii. For California, the game reflects a challenging season, culminating in the firing of coach Justin Wilcox and the upcoming transition to new leadership under Tosh Lupoi. The performance of freshman quarterback Sagapolutele offers a glimpse of potential for the team's future, despite the current setbacks. The game also serves as a testament to the competitive nature of college football, where unexpected turns and last-minute plays can dramatically alter outcomes.
What's Next?
Looking ahead, California will face UCLA on September 5, 2026, as they begin a new chapter under coach Tosh Lupoi. Hawaii will start its next season with a game against Stanford on August 29, 2026. Both teams will aim to build on their experiences from this season, with Hawaii focusing on maintaining its momentum and California seeking to rebuild and improve under new leadership. The decisions made in the off-season, including player transfers and recruitment, will be crucial for both programs as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season.
