Hawai‘i Seeks First Conference Win in Historic Road Trip to Northern Illinois

Hawai‘i heads into unfamiliar territory this weekend, both geographically and in its pursuit of a much-needed victory.

The Rainbow Warriors (1-6, 0-4 Mountain West) travel to DeKalb, Illinois, for their first-ever meeting with Northern Illinois (0-6, 0-2 MW) on Saturday, October 24. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Hawai‘i time at Huskie Stadium, with coverage on K5 and MW+.

The matchup marks Hawai‘i’s first football game in the state of Illinois and a historic journey of 4,255 miles — the longest distance an FBS program has traveled for a conference game within the United States, according to UH’s game notes.

But the Rainbow Warriors have more pressing concerns than the lengthy trip. Hawai‘i has dropped four consecutive games, matching its longest losing streak under head coach Timmy Chang, and is still searching for its first conference victory of the season.

Coming off a 21-10 Homecoming loss to New Mexico, Chang has placed renewed emphasis on preparation, attention to detail and offensive execution.

“The things that we can control, let’s control them,” Chang said during Tuesday’s media availability. “Let’s be better prepared. Let’s be better detailed so when the bullets are flying, we are ready.”

Hawai‘i Looking to Turn Opportunities Into Points

The Rainbow Warriors’ latest setback was particularly frustrating after taking a 10-0 halftime lead against New Mexico and forcing three turnovers. However, Hawai‘i was shut out in the second half as the Lobos scored 21 unanswered points.

The loss highlighted an ongoing issue for UH, who have scored fewer than 20 points in four consecutive games for the first time since 1998.

Chang acknowledged that the responsibility for improving the offense falls on both the coaching staff and players.

“I think the defense is playing well and has given us the ball,” Chang said. “My attention and our coaches’ attention is on the offense and executing and making sure that we’re doing things correctly and putting guys in position.”

Chang also revealed that he has become more involved in the offensive operation as the season has progressed.

“I’ve actually dove in deeper into play calling and taking over the whole offense,” Chang said. “There are things that I saw early on that were gonna be problems, and so I wanted to address them right now.”

Despite the team’s struggles, sophomore quarterback Micah Alejado continues to put up impressive passing numbers. He leads the Mountain West with 266.1 passing yards per game and ranks third nationally with 25.7 completions per contest.

Alejado has thrown for 1,863 yards this season and recently moved into ninth place on Hawai‘i’s career passing list with 5,554 yards.

But protecting the quarterback and establishing offensive balance remain challenges. Alejado has been sacked 20 times this season, while the Rainbow Warriors managed just 48 rushing yards against New Mexico.

Chang believes the offense is closer to breaking through than its recent results suggest.

“Because we’re so close, there’s just things that we definitely can clean up,” Chang said. “You stay on track.”

QB Micah Alejado looks up at the scoreboard during a home loss to New Mexico. | Photo Credit: Michael Lasquero, HSRN

Northern Illinois Searching for Its First Win

Northern Illinois enters Saturday’s matchup looking for its first victory under interim head coach Rob Harley.

The Huskies have endured a difficult start to the season, losing all six games, including a 41-23 defeat at Wyoming last weekend. However, the offense has shown signs of improvement behind quarterback Taron “Tyger” Dickens and running back Telly Johnson Jr.

Dickens leads the Mountain West in completion percentage at 65.8 percent and has thrown for 1,193 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions.

Wide receiver DeAree Rogers has been his most productive target, ranking third nationally with 8.17 receptions per game. Rogers has totaled 49 catches for 422 yards and two touchdowns through six games.

Meanwhile, Johnson is coming off his best performance of the season, rushing for 139 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries against Wyoming. He has scored a rushing touchdown in three consecutive games and accumulated 423 rushing yards over his last five contests.

That production presents a challenge for a Hawai‘i defense that allowed 243 rushing yards against New Mexico.

Harley emphasized that establishing the run is essential to controlling the tempo of the game.

“What’s not different is the mentality to control the clock, control the ball, and control field position,” Harley said. “That’s what the run game helps you do.”

Harley also praised Johnson’s vision and physicality, crediting the offensive line for creating opportunities.

“He’s a big back. He’s tough to tackle, and he continues to have good vision,” Harley said.

Northern Illinois running back Telly Johnson Jr. | Photo Credit: Scott Walstrom, NIU

Huskies Preparing for Alejado and Hawai‘i’s Passing Attack

While Northern Illinois has struggled to find victories, its pass defense has been a relative bright spot.

The Huskies are allowing 187 passing yards per game, ranking fifth in the Mountain West and 33rd nationally. They have also recorded an interception in four of their six contests.

Harley acknowledged that defending Hawai‘i’s pass-heavy offense will be a significant challenge.

“They’re leading the league in passing offense, so it’ll be a great test for our defense to continue to work on being consistent,” Harley said.

The Huskies are particularly focused on limiting Alejado’s ability to extend plays outside the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield.

“That’s what this guy can do,” Harley said. “He keeps his eyes downfield so he can continue to hurt you with his arm.”

Rather than overcomplicating the defensive approach, Harley said the focus will be on fundamentals, disciplined pass rushing and maintaining proper containment.

“We just gotta do the basics and not let him be who he is,” Harley said. “Let’s make him perform under pressure and have to beat us.”

Hawaii DB Jeremiah Hughes celebrates an interception against New Mexico. | Photo Credit: Riley Guillermo, HSRN

A Long Road Ahead

The historic trip to Illinois presents another challenge for Hawai‘i, which has traditionally struggled when traveling more than 4,000 miles.

The Warriors are 5-20 all-time in those contests, with their last victory on a trip of that distance coming in 2017 against UMass.

Chang acknowledged the difficulties associated with the travel, including the time difference and an early kickoff for Hawai‘i fans, but said the team has prepared accordingly.

“From time change to the amount of travel and all those things and the time in which we’re playing, things are gonna change for sure,” Chang said. “We just get our mindset right, be tough about it and go find a way to go win.”

Saturday’s game also presents an opportunity for both programs to change the trajectory of their seasons.

For Northern Illinois, it is another chance to earn its first victory under Harley. For Hawai‘i, it is an opportunity to halt a four-game skid and avoid its first five-game losing streak since 2017.

With five games remaining on the schedule, Chang remains focused on improving the details rather than making wholesale changes.

“We have to coach better, and the players gotta play better,” Chang said.

Game Information
Hawai‘i (1-6, 0-4 MW) at Northern Illinois (0-6, 0-2 MW)
Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. HT
Huskie Stadium | DeKalb, Illinois
TV: K5 / MW+

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