Timmy Chang Embraces Higher Expectations as Hawaiʻi Turns the Page Toward 2026

LAS VEGAS — University of Hawaiʻi football head coach Timmy Chang joined Hawaiʻi Sports Radio Network at Mountain West Media Days at the Palms in Las Vegas, reflecting on the Rainbow Warriors’ breakthrough 2025 season while making it clear that last year’s success cannot carry the program through the upcoming campaign.

Hawaiʻi enters 2026 with considerably different expectations following a nine-win season that ended with a memorable comeback victory over California in the Sheraton Hawaiʻi Bowl.

Chang remains proud of what the 2025 team accomplished, particularly after the program endured several close losses during a 5-7 campaign the year before. He believes those setbacks helped the Rainbow Warriors understand the importance of discipline, execution and attention to detail.

That growth was evident from the opening game against Stanford, when Hawaiʻi overcame a difficult start, and again in the bowl game, when the Rainbow Warriors rallied from an early 21-0 deficit to defeat Cal.

“That’s our ’25 team in a nutshell,” Chang said. “From all that building to where it was last year, and now we’re coming into this year, we lean on all that experience.”

Still, Chang said the program officially turned the page in January.

While the lessons and confidence gained from last season remain valuable, Hawaiʻi must establish a new identity with a different group. Chang said the offseason has centered on rebuilding the team’s culture, reinforcing its standards and creating accountability throughout the locker room.

Managing Greater Expectations

Chang’s tenure at his alma mater has followed a steady progression—from rebuilding the program, to becoming competitive, to reaching and winning a bowl game.

The next challenge is handling the heightened expectations that follow success.

Rather than focusing on championship projections or the long-term possibilities surrounding the program, Chang said Hawaiʻi’s approach remains centered on its daily preparation.

“It’s about our choices. It’s about what we do every day,” Chang said. “If we can do things right every single day leading up to these games, we at least give ourselves a chance.”

That mentality will be tested immediately.

Hawaiʻi begins the season on the road against Stanford before returning home to face UNLV in its Mountain West opener. Chang described both as “go get them games,” with the conference matchup potentially carrying significant implications later in the season.

Chang noted that last season’s matchup with UNLV was viewed as one that could determine who sat in the driver’s seat for a spot in the Mountain West Championship. The Rebels capitalized with a 38-10 victory before advancing to the title game, making this year’s early conference meeting another potentially pivotal contest.

“We’ve got to get off to a fast start,” Chang said.

Alejado’s Toughness and Growth

Much of the preseason attention surrounding Hawaiʻi has centered on quarterback Micah Alejado, who was selected as the Mountain West Preseason Offensive Player of the Year and earned a spot on the Preseason All-Conference Team.

Chang said Alejado’s recognition reflects not only his production, but also the toughness he displayed while playing through an injury for much of last season.

Alejado suffered a leg injury in the season opener and later missed two games. Chang pointed to the quarterback’s response following a difficult performance against Fresno State as one of the defining moments of his season.

Alejado placed much of the responsibility on himself, even though Chang reminded him that football is the ultimate team game. From that point forward, however, the quarterback elevated his play and helped lead Hawaiʻi through the strongest portion of its season.

“Unbelievable, gutty performance by him,” Chang said.

Chang was also quick to credit the players surrounding Alejado, describing the preseason recognition as a team accomplishment because of the contributions required for any quarterback to succeed.

“Micah can’t do it by himself,” Chang said. “It’s a team award.”

A Culture Built Beyond NIL

Alejado was joined at Mountain West Media Days by Cam Barfield, Jamih Otis and Elijah Palmer.

During their conversations with HSRN, all four players emphasized that while name, image and likeness opportunities are part of modern college football, their primary motivation remains playing the game and representing the University of Hawaiʻi.

Chang said those responses reflect the type of culture Hawaiʻi’s coaching staff has worked to establish.

The program’s standards are built around discipline, detail and accountability, but Chang said the relationships developed between coaches and players are equally important. He credited his assistants and support staff for investing in the athletes both on and off the field.

Chang also emphasized that Hawaiʻi’s culture extends beyond him or any individual coach. He credited athletic director Matt Elliott, the UH administration, the community, fans and local media for helping players feel connected to the state they represent.

“Our kids love when they play for the state,” Chang said. “They love that you guys are passionate. You guys care about them and you want to see them do well.”

Chang described that shared investment as an important part of the program’s “Braddahhood” and family culture.

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