State runner-up Kamehameha opens at No. 1 in Lasquero’s HS Football Power Rankings

The 2026 Hawai’i High School Football season is upon us!

Michael Lasquero, who nearly has 15 years of experience covering high school sports in the state, ranks his Top 25 teams in Hawai’i regardless of Division heading into the opening week of the season.

1. Kamehameha
This week: vs. No. 14 Farrington Friday
Analysis: The 2025 Open Division state runner-up opens the season at No. 1 with the best linebacker corps in the state that features Evan Cazimero and Linkin Apana. Lennox Chee and Esaiah Wong are also solid on the interior of the defensive line while safety Moose Wailehua headlines a talented and deep secondary. Jayden Braun is one of the top playmakers in the state, but will have to shoulder the load for an offense that is relatively inexperienced. The deciding factor in making the Warriors the top team in the land is special teams star Tyler Fujimoto.

2. Mililani
This week: idle
Analysis: To be fair, the top four OIA teams all can beat each other and are championship contenders. The Trojans get the edge for their impressive offseason, headlined by the additions of quarterback Hunter Fujikawa and receiver Zion White, a Cal-commit. Four other projected offensive starters also arrived via the portal. Mililani’s front seven is also one of the best in the state with DT Trison Satele and LB Toa Satele, an Oregon-commit, leading the way. The Trojans have all the pieces to win the title this year, but they are far from a finished product. Special teams also tends to be Mililani’s achilles’ heel in the big games.

3. Campbell
This week: at No. 8 Waipahu Friday
Analysis: No one outside of Ewa Beach would have picked the Sabers to win the state crown in 2025, and you can make the case that this year’s squad is better with the return of OL Isaiah Bertola, a Cal-commit. The addition of LB TJ Alualu from Saint Louis also gives Campbell championship experience to add to a core that includes ATH Shaison Kupukaa, a Hawai’i-commit, and DB Isaiah Chong, a Sacramento State-commit. The Sabers had many position battles in the offseason, which in turn provided opportunities for growth and healthy competition. Not having a home field for another season is not an issue for Campbell, but it does present an interesting scenario if the Sabers have a high seed in the playoffs.

4. Kahuku
This week: vs. No. 6 Saint Louis Saturday
Analysis: Out of the four OIA contenders, the Red Raiders are the youngest — which means they have the most potential for growth over the course of the season. David Stant adds head coach to his title and will still call the offensive plays, so another year in his scheme should see improved results with new QBs Lucky Suguturaga and Justice La’a coming in. Teave Crawford has an argument to be named the No. 1 cornerback in the state while Siale Reid is solid at linebacker for the returning defensive staff. Kahuku is still the ringleaders in the league with 31 OIA titles, so it’s a safe bet the Red Raiders will figure themselves out by the time the postseason comes around.

5. Kapolei
This week: idle
Analysis: On paper, Kapolei might actually be the best team in the OIA. The Hurricanes boast the best offensive line and the best running back room in the state, have the only returning quarterback in the Open Division, two solid safeties and a dynamic receiver returning in Nikko Smith. So why isn’t Kapolei higher? Team leaders and head coach Darren Hernandez acknowledge that a state title has eluded the Hurricanes’ program and that they need to be great in the big moments this season in order to bring home some hardware in 2026. Kapolei has a great opportunity to shift the narrative and make history this season. Consistency will be pivotal for the Hurricanes’ chances.

6. Saint Louis
This week: at No. 4 Kahuku Saturday
Analysis: Times are changing in the ILH with a mass exodus of players from Kalaepohaku departing for OIA schools in the offseason. Still, the Crusaders have the best defensive line in the state with edge rushers Ricky Liilii and Kona Acedillo, an Air Force-commit, coming back along with interior defensive lineman Stone Ah Quin. RB Tenari Fuamatu-Maafala is a solid runner that is one of the few returners from the 2024 state championship squad. Former Moanalua coach Savai’i Eselu joins head coach Tupu Alualu’s offensive staff so expect a pro-style approach to how Saint Louis operates on offense. The Crusaders have a challenging preseason slate with Kahuku and Mililani lined up before taking on IMG Academy, Sierra Canyon and St. John Bosco — so there is concern that they might start the season 0-5.

7. Punahou
This week: vs. Roosevelt Saturday
Analysis: The Buffanblu are relatively young after losing their quarterback to transfer in the offseason, which opens the door for track athlete Tai Utoafili to step in behind center. Drew Kinney coming back at wideout will help ease his transition along with RB Aaron Johnson running behind an offensive line that includes Simone Lakalaka-Sole. Tua Tafiti moves over permanently to the middle backer position to be the general of a defensive unit that includes DL Tyler Lim, NB John-Luke Twigg and DB Kanoa Kameehonua. There are no easy games during the ILH season however so the Buffanblu will need to grow up fast if they want to usurp the current hierarchy in the conference.

8. Waipahu
This week: vs. No. 3 Campbell Friday
Analysis: The Marauders open the season as the favorites to win the Division I state title as they look to bounce back from a disappointing end to last season. While they hardly possess top-end talent at any position, the Marauders have a roster that virtually has no weakness with depth at every position. The offense is primed to put up numbers with most of the offensive line and RB Tristan Pacheco coming back along with the additions of QB Jake Garcia and WR Jayse Braun. The defense is also solid at all three levels with DL Jordan Pefua, LB Christopher Togiai and DB Jayboy Ganiron. How Waipahu handles the expectations is the big question.

9. Kapaa
This week: idle
Analysis: The Warriors are primed to return to the Division I state title game for the third straight year after seeing the return of elite lineman prospect King Pitts back to the Garden Isle. The rest of the defensive line is loaded with Siotame Malafu and Bryden Sugai-Salvador along with defensive backs Eleu Keawe and Takazee Thomas. Yair Antonio is also a solid kicker that was in line to be the 2025 state championship MVP if it wasn’t for some late game heroics by Kailua last season. Kapaa should breeze through the regular season running its base offensive sets and playing hard-nosed defense. It’s the adjustments in the postseason that will determine if the Warriors can win their second state title in three years.

10. Konawaena
This week: idle
Analysis: The Wildcats are plugging away and will easily be the best team on the Big Island for another straight season. QB Keenan Alani returns and will have young and upcoming receiver Kael Johnson to throw to for another year. Headlining the defense is DL Zane Fujihara-Faavesi along with linebackers Makani Ige and Kyzer Kapuniai. Depth and size will always be a concern for Konawaena every year. The Wildcats stack up well against any team when it comes to schemes and mid-game adjustments, but the game is won in the trenches.

11. Leilehua
This week: idle
Analysis: Another season in the Open Division, but the Mules and head coach Mark Kurisu will always be the last to complain about their situation. Kahikapu Young is solid on the defensive line along with LB Braden Liua and defensive backs Willie Canyon and Stryker Sua. Leilehua tends to play up to its competition and was competitive against last year’s state champion Campbell and OIA champion Kahuku.

12. Kailua
This week: at No. 15 Moanalua Saturday
Analysis: After winning the Division I state title, the Surfriders move up to the Open Division despite losing over 30 players to graduation. Still, Kailua has some pieces to do some damage with defensive linemen Kruze Arias and Henry Honebein along with OL Junior Santiago and WR Tayvin Kahele. Losing RB Marquez Mellor to the transfer portal hurts though.

13. Damien
This week: vs. No. 16 Aiea Saturday
Analysis: The Monarchs saw four-year starting QB AJ Tuifua graduate in the spring, but they nearly have the entire offense coming back. WR Wyatt Ho-Williams is the best pass catcher in the state without a Division I offer and the offensive line has size and depth for Damien to take a more grounded approach on offense. LB Jay-Sean Aquino is also back along with defensive backs Maka Maiava and Alexzander Lazaro. Defensive line is the biggest concern however for the Monarchs.

14. Farrington
This week: at No. 1 Kamehameha Friday
Analysis: The Governors move down to Division I after a rough two seasons in the Open Division and will look to restore pride back in Kalihi. Sophomore QB Kenzo Kawai returns after taking over the starting job late in the season. RB Tabu Nathan is a sleeper at his position and should make some noise with a huge offensive line that includes Darrius Uperesa. Farrington also has a number of standouts on the defensive side of the ball and should make the playoffs in the OIA.

15. Moanalua
This week: vs. No. 12 Kailua Saturday
Analysis: It’s year No. 2 under head coach Keone Batoon and offensive coordinator Ron Lee, so Na Menehune should see an improvement after missing the postseason by one game in 2025. Joel Taylor is an underrated defensive lineman while QB Tyler Gines-Hufana has a bevy of receivers to throw to. Moanalua is confident it can contend for a Division I state title this season and will have a chance to prove it belongs with three Open Division teams on the schedule before the regular season.

16. Aiea
This week: vs. No. 13 Damien Saturday
Analysis: On paper Na Ali’i should be higher on this list, but the injury bug has hit them hard heading into the opening week of the season. Still, Caizel Jesus-Kapesi is an ascending quarterback that is on pace to be the all-time leading passer in the state and the offensive line boasts standouts Atamai Siufanua and Carsin Leafa. The defense has some solid pieces in LB Malachi Liilii-Utu and Ethan Toia, but defensive line depth is a concern. If health is not a concern this season, expect Na Ali’i to be in the mix in the postseason.

17. Waianae
This week: at No. 22 KS-Hawaii Saturday
Analysis: The Seariders had an incredible start to the 2025 season and can even boast a win over eventual OIA and state champion Kailua on their resume. But the first loss of the season produced some internal turmoil and a coaching change was made. Waianae does have some pieces thought to make a run at it with NB Mike Satele, QB JJ Kaio, OL Josiah Keawe and WR Keonakoa Malaia coming back. If head coach Whiston Kaleimamahu can keep things together, there’s no reason why the Seariders can’t do damage in 2026.

18. KS-Maui
This week: idle
Analysis: Early reports from the Valley Isle suggest the Warriors are still the No. 1 team on the island, despite losing some transfers to Oahu in the offseason. ATH Xander Pagan headlines a deep running back room for a KS-Maui team that will look to complete the Division II dynasty with its third state championship.

19. Iolani
This week: vs. Baldwin Saturday
Analysis: The Raiders enter a new era in their storied program with longtime assistant Pat Samsonas taking over for Wendell Look. QB Adrian Perkins takes over full-time at his position and will have WR Aka Lau Kong and last year’s leading rusher Ayden Teranishi to work with. DB Zack Bagoyo is undersized, but solid in the secondary. The biggest storyline to watch for regarding Iolani this season is how well it can contain opponents’ running attack.

20. Nanakuli
This week: idle
Analysis: The Golden Hawks lost a few playmakers on offense to graduation, but they do have a dynamite talent behind center in QB Allix Yap. Alapa Watson is also a solid returner that brings experience on the line. Nanakuli will look to play spoiler against any of the top OIA Division I teams that overlooks the Golden Hawks.

21. Waimea
This week: vs. Kaimuki Saturday
Analysis: The Menehune have young talent coming back in their offensive backfield in ATH Kolby Correa and RB Kaikea Miyashiro. DB Kali Thundah has also been put on the radar of several colleges and sophomore lineman Samson Kala is a physical specimen. Waimea’s offensive scheme is always hard to prepare for, but developing a passing game would be wise in the event the Menehune run into a bigger team in the postseason.

22. KS-Hawaii
This week: vs. No. 17 Waianae Saturday
Analysis: After winning their first Division II state tournament game in school history last season, the Warriors are now competing at the Division I level on the Big Island. KS-Hawaii does have a few playmakers coming back in RB Dallas Enriquez and WR Chaseton Wong. Coaching departures at Keaau and Hilo is why the Warriors are the No. 2 team in the BIIF.

23. Pac-Five
This week: idle
Analysis: Senior lineman Ethan Kamahele-Tolbert is a solid two-way guy in the trenches and WR Avari Zion-Branch is an underrated receiver. The Wolfpack will make the state tournament, but the lack of games on their schedule is their biggest weakness in terms of keeping everyone locked in by the time November rolls around.

24. Lahainaluna
This week: idle
Analysis: ATH Kyle Thomas is one of the most electrifying players in the state and is a good enough reason to pick the Lunas as the No. 2 team on Maui. Lahainaluna is adding more modern offensive concepts to its playbook and should be a tough scout in the state tournament.

25. Kalaheo
This week: idle
Analysis: Head coach Jaymason Lee is building something at Kalaheo and the addition of double-digit transfers from fellow Windward schools gives the Mustangs enough numbers to potentially have a JV team this season. Adding RB Marquez Mellor from Kailua gives the team a legitimate Division II Player of the Year candidate, if he is fully recovered from an injury sustained during the track season. Still, Kalaheo is on the right trajectory and a OIA championship game appearance is highly likely.