Hawai’i Football’s Micah Alejado Returns from Injury, Timmy Chang Previews Fresno State Rivalry Game

The University of Hawai‘i football team is preparing for a pivotal Mountain West Conference opener against longtime rival Fresno State, and both quarterback Micah Alejado and head coach Timmy Chang shared their thoughts ahead of Saturday’s matchup at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex.

Micah Alejado on Returning from Injury

Alejado, who missed two weeks following a foot injury he aggravated in the Arizona game, says he now feels “super comfortable” and “as close to 100%” as he’s been in months.

The redshirt freshman admitted it was tough sitting out, but the time away gave him a chance to rest, learn through wearing the headset on the sidelines, and watch teammates like Luke Weaver step in. “It was the best thing for my body,” Alejado said.

With Fresno State next on the schedule, Alejado stressed the importance of practice tempo and detail, calling the Bulldogs “a tough, physical, disciplined team.” He also highlighted the return of offensive linemen Ethan Spencer and Kuao Peihopa, praising their intelligence, physicality, and protection.

Timmy Chang on Fresno State Rivalry and Conference Play

Head coach Timmy Chang called Fresno State “a familiar foe” and praised their toughness under first-year head coach Matt Entz who brings back the Pat Hill mentality. Both teams enter the game 3-1, raising the stakes for the conference opener.

Chang confirmed Alejado has looked sharp in practice and is expected to start on Saturday. “He’s very intentional, very detailed, and didn’t miss a beat,” Chang said.

The coach also reflected on the rivalry’s history, noting this will be the final meeting as conference opponents before Fresno State joins the Pac-12 in 2026. Chang, who faced the Bulldogs as a UH quarterback, holds a 2-1 record against them as a player and is 1-1 as a head coach.

Home Field Advantage in Honolulu

Chang emphasized the energy created by fans at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex, calling the atmosphere “manual magic” that fuels the team’s performance. “We get up when the fans get up,” he said, urging fans to show up loud for Saturday night’s rivalry game.