Hawai‘i Returns Home Seeking Third Straight Win Against North Dakota State

After nearly a month away from home and back-to-back road victories, Hawai‘i returns to the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex on Saturday with an opportunity to keep its late-season momentum alive against one of the Mountain West’s top teams.

The Rainbow Warriors (3-6, 2-4 MW) will host North Dakota State (7-2, 4-2 MW) in the first-ever meeting between the programs. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. Hawai‘i time, with the game televised nationally on The CW.

Hawai‘i enters the contest riding its first two-game winning streak of the season following victories at Northern Illinois (56-21) and UTEP (17-14). The wins marked the first time since 2007 that the Rainbow Warriors swept consecutive road games, keeping their postseason aspirations alive after a 1-6 start.

With three games remaining, Hawai‘i must win out to reach six victories and remain in contention for bowl eligibility.

“November football, college football is special,” head coach Timmy Chang said during this week’s media availability. “It is meaningful games, right? And for us, we just wanna take one at a time.”

Warriors Finding Ways to Win

After producing its most explosive offensive performance of the season at Northern Illinois, Hawai‘i relied on defense and timely execution to escape El Paso with a narrow victory over UTEP.

Quarterback Micah Alejado threw for 303 yards and a touchdown, completing 26 of 40 passes for his second consecutive 300-yard performance. The sophomore has now thrown for 2,489 yards this season, leading the Mountain West with 276.6 passing yards per game.

Alejado also surpassed 6,000 career passing yards against the Miners, moving into sixth place on Hawai‘i’s all-time list with 6,180 yards.

Freshman wide receiver Titan Lacaden emerged as a key target, recording career highs of 11 receptions and 109 yards with a touchdown. His performance earned him Mountain West Freshman of the Week honors.

Defensively, Hawai‘i held UTEP to just 14 points, its lowest total allowed this season, while forcing another turnover. The Warriors have now generated nine takeaways over their last three games and held three consecutive opponents to 21 points or fewer.

The improved defensive consistency has been particularly important for a team that has struggled to finish games throughout the season.

North Dakota State Making Its Mark in the Mountain West

Saturday presents a considerably different challenge against a North Dakota State program that has wasted little time establishing itself at the FBS level.

The Bison (7-2, 4-2 MW), who joined the Mountain West this season following decades of dominance in the Football Championship Subdivision, sit third in the conference standings under third-year head coach Tim Polasek.

North Dakota State opened the season with five consecutive victories, becoming the only program in the last 45 seasons to win its first five games as a full-fledged FBS member. The Bison enter Saturday coming off a bye week following a 31-7 victory over UTEP.

Despite the successful transition, Polasek acknowledged the challenges of competing in a new conference.

“The Mountain West is really competitive, so those margins for error and the difference between winning and losing is what we gotta grapple with,” Polasek said.

Defensively, NDSU has been among the nation’s best, allowing just 11.9 points and 248.8 total yards per game, including only 124.4 passing yards. Linebacker Donovan Woolen leads the team with 66 tackles, while cornerback Marion Moore has recorded five interceptions.

Offensively, quarterback Nathan Hayes has thrown for 1,710 yards and 13 touchdowns, with Jackson Williams leading the receiving corps with 42 catches for 614 yards.

A Crucial November Showdown

With postseason hopes still within reach, Hawai‘i faces little margin for error over its final three games against North Dakota State, Nevada and Sacramento State.

The Warriors have shown signs of progress during their two-game winning streak, but Saturday’s matchup offers an opportunity to measure that improvement against one of the Mountain West’s strongest teams.

North Dakota State, meanwhile, remains in the conference championship race and will be looking to strengthen its position in the standings.

Despite the teams’ contrasting records, Bison head coach Tim Polasek expects a physical battle in Mānoa.

“We’re expecting a fistfight. We need to be ready to go, and it’s gonna be a good game,” Polasek said. “Throw out the records, you know, this is a culture thing for them. And I think we’re gonna get a really good football game.”

For Hawai‘i head coach Timmy Chang, the focus remains on preparation and execution rather than the larger implications of the matchup.

“We’re gonna be tested physically, mentally,” Chang said. “It’s a good football team. And so for us, we’re just focused on this day, focused on the game plan and getting ready to execute.”

Game Information & Promotions

Hawai‘i vs. North Dakota State
Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 6 p.m. HST
Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex | Honolulu, Hawai‘i
TV: The CW

Saturday’s game will feature several special promotions and activities, highlighted by a tribute to legendary former Hawai‘i head coach June Jones and recognition of Veterans Day Weekend.

• Blackout for June Jones: Fans are encouraged to WEAR BLACK in honor of the late head coach. A pregame moment of silence, along with video tributes and remembrances throughout the game, will celebrate Jones’ legacy.
• Timmy Chang Bobblehead Giveaway: The first 3,000 fans will receive a mini bobblehead featuring the former record-setting Hawai‘i quarterback and current head coach.
• Military Appreciation: Active-duty military personnel, Department of Defense civilians, reservists and military retirees can receive 50% off select tickets. A valid military ID is required for will-call pickup. Purchase tickets.

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