Tomey Trophy Ties: Hawai‘i and San José State Renew a Shared Legacy

When Hawai‘i and San José State meet on Saturday night, the stakes go far beyond the Mountain West standings. The two programs — forever linked by the late Dick Tomey — will again battle for the Dick Tomey Legacy Trophy, a tribute to the legendary head coach who shaped both programs and countless players and coaches who now represent his enduring impact.

A Brotherhood Born in Hawai‘i

Both sidelines will feature men who once wore the Rainbow Warrior uniform — including both head coaches. Hawai‘i’s Timmy Chang and San José State’s Ken Niumatalolo, both former UH quarterbacks, continue to carry forward the legacy and lessons of Coach Dick Tomey’s leadership.

“This game being represented as the Dick Tomey Legacy Game — it’s special,” Niumatalolo said. “Coach Tomey was the one who catapulted University of Hawai‘i football into the national limelight. Everything I learned about effort, family, and playing for your brother came from him.”

For Chang, now in his third year leading Hawai‘i, the matchup is both personal and professional. “There’s so much respect between the programs,” he said. “A lot of guys we call brothers are on that staff. We love to see them do well — but we’re battling for a trophy that means a lot to both schools.”

Coaching Connections Across the Pacific

The ties between the teams stretch far beyond the head coaches. Niumatalolo’s Spartan staff includes Craig Stutzmann (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks), Billy Ray Stutzmann (receivers), and John Estes (offensive line) — all Hawai‘i alumni who once played on the same turf at Aloha Stadium.

“It’s a reunion in a way,” Chang said. “Craig and Billy Ray — those guys are family. We coached together, learned together, and always root for each other.”

Stutzmann, who previously served as offensive coordinator at Emory & Henry College before Chang later succeeded him in that role earlier in their coaching careers, echoed that bond. “You’d like to say every game is the same, but there’s a little extra oomph to want to win this one,” he said. “We’re from there. Born and raised, played there, coached there — and now it’s the Dick Tomey Legacy Game.”

Respect Between Rivals

The personal ties add mutual respect to a rivalry that’s grown competitive over decades. Hawai‘i (6–2, 3–1 MW) enters riding a three-game win streak and its best start since 2018, while San José State (2–5, 1–2 MW) has been more competitive than its record shows, with four one-score losses.

Niumatalolo praised the Rainbow Warriors’ offensive surge behind quarterback Micah Alejado, who has topped 300 passing yards and three touchdowns in each of the last three games.

“Everything starts with Micah,” Niumatalolo said. “He’s a baller — smart, accurate, and tough. They’re explosive on offense and one of the best defenses in the country on the other side.”

Chang, meanwhile, highlighted the challenge of facing familiar faces who share roots in the same offensive philosophies. “There’s some crossover between our systems,” he said. “We’ll see similarities, but we each have our own wrinkles. That’s what makes it fun — the chess match between brothers.”

The Legacy Lives On

For both coaches, the significance of this game extends beyond the scoreboard. Tomey’s influence — his emphasis on humility, toughness, and “ohana” — still echoes in both programs.

“Coach Tomey taught me to lead with heart,” Niumatalolo reflected. “Everything about effort, family, and playing for your brother — that came from him.”

Chang carries that same spirit. “It’s a big lift to represent Hawai‘i and Polynesia,” he said. “I don’t carry it alone — it’s shared with our school, our staff, and our players. We carry it together.”

When the Warriors and Spartans take the field on Saturday night, the game will be more than a contest of yardage and points — it will be a celebration of the lasting connections Tomey built between islands and inland, and the generations of players and coaches who still live by his lessons.

Betting Odds (via BetMGM)

• Spread: San Jose State -2.5

• Total (Over/Under): 57.5 points

• Moneyline: Hawaii +110 | SJSU -135

Game Info

• Matchup: Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors (6-2, 3-1) vs. San José State Spartans (2-5, 1-2)
• Time: 7:30 p.m. PT / 4:30 p.m. HT
• Television: CBS Sports Network Streaming: CBS Sports mobile app, CBSSports.com
• Location: CEFCU Stadium (18,265), San Jose, CA
• All-time Record: SJSU leads 23-22-1
• Last Meeting: SJSU, 35-0, Oct. 28, 2023 (Honolulu)