UH Athletics Launches Shoji Society to Strengthen Support for Student-Athletes

UH Athletics Launches Shoji Society to Strengthen Support for Student-Athletes

Aug 12, 2026

UH Athletics Launches Shoji Society to Strengthen Support for Student-Athletes

The University of Hawai‘i Athletics Department is putting one of the most recognizable names in its history behind a new initiative aimed at building greater financial support for its student-athletes.

UH Athletics, in partnership with the UH Foundation, officially launched the Shoji Society on Wednesday, a new leadership giving society named in honor of legendary Rainbow Wahine volleyball head coach Dave Shoji.

The initiative comes as the financial landscape of college athletics continues to change, with schools facing increasing costs associated with supporting, recruiting and retaining student-athletes.

According to UH Athletics Director Matt Elliott, Shoji’s name continued to surface as the department considered how to identify its new major giving society.

“Dave’s name and his legacy and what his family has accomplished and contributed to this place just kept coming back,” Elliott said. “It really was a symbol of not just excellence, but of integrity.”

Membership in the Shoji Society begins with a minimum pledge of $50,000 over up to five years, with four giving levels ranging from $50,000 to $1 million. Contributions can support scholarships, NIL opportunities, student-athlete development, facility improvements and other priorities within UH Athletics.

The society launches with 10 charter members whose leadership commitments or lifetime giving have reached at least $1 million. Collectively, the group has committed more than $38.3 million over the past 46 years to support UH student-athletes.

The Shoji Society also serves as the major-giving component of the newly launched ‘Bows Athletics Club, which was created to provide a broader avenue for fans and supporters to financially support UH Athletics at all giving levels. A $100 donation provides membership in the ‘Bows Athletics Club.

For Shoji, who led the Rainbow Wahine for 42 seasons and won four national championships, lending his name to the initiative is another way to encourage the community to support the program he helped build.

“The landscape of athletics has changed,” Shoji said. “Back then we were worried about raising scholarship money. Well, scholarship money is minimum now. We have to keep up.”

Shoji said that support is increasingly important to provide student-athletes with what they need to compete with programs across the country.

“If my name can just propel somebody to give 50, maybe 100 dollars, I am so honored by that,” Shoji said. “If you check the box score on Sunday morning, then I think you should give whatever you can give to UH because we need the support and we need to stay up with the rest of the country.”

Women’s basketball head coach Khalilah Mitchell offered another perspective on what increased investment can mean beyond wins and losses, pointing to areas such as recruiting, nutrition, sports psychology and facilities.

“It doesn’t just help us win games. It builds the experience a championship program requires, and it lets us keep promises to the families who trust us with their daughters,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell added that the investment goes beyond what happens on the scoreboard, helping programs develop student-athletes throughout their time at UH.

“You’re helping us raise leaders. You’re helping us raise young women who show up, who speak up, who lift up, who graduate, who go into their communities and carry it in a very specific way,” Mitchell said. “Basketball is the vehicle. It was never the destination.”

Elliott said donor support can be directed toward a wide range of areas, including academics, physical and mental health, nutrition, performance technology, NIL and individual teams or the athletic department as a whole.

Men’s volleyball head coach Charlie Wade, who spent 11 seasons working alongside Shoji, said the increased investment is critical as the cost of competing in college athletics continues to rise.

“We’re not trying to be Ohio State or Texas,” Wade said. “We’re trying to be the best version of the University of Hawaii.” Wade said the increased level of support from the community can help put UH on a pathway to remain competitive nationally.

For Shoji, that ability to compete remains especially relevant to the Rainbow Wahine program he led for more than four decades.

Asked what it will take for Hawai‘i to return to the national championship conversation, Shoji pointed directly to recruiting and the resources available to attract players.

“We have to be able to provide what other schools are providing and maybe more,” Shoji said. “That’s what this is all about.”

Roosevelt debuts brand new gym with four-set win over Kalaheo

Roosevelt debuts brand new gym with four-set win over Kalaheo

Sep 10, 2026

MAKIKI — There was no scenario where the home team didn’t win this match. Roosevelt made sure the first contest in its new gymnasium was a victory as the Rough Riders came away with a four-set win over visiting Kalaheo Wednesday night in an OIA Division-I East...

Helpless Hawai’i offense falters in home opener against UNLV

Helpless Hawai’i offense falters in home opener against UNLV

Sep 5, 2026

HONOLULU – September sadness. The University of Hawai’i football team saw the good vibes of the offseason slither away on Saturday evening, falling 21-6 to conference rival UNLV (1-1, 1-0 Mountain West) inside Clarence T.C. Ching Complex after a...

Hawaiʻi Blanks New Mexico State, 3-0, for Third Straight Shutout

Hawaiʻi Blanks New Mexico State, 3-0, for Third Straight Shutout

Sep 4, 2026

HONOLULU — The University of Hawaiʻi women’s soccer team continued its strong run of form Thursday, scoring three times in the second half to defeat New Mexico State, 3-0, at the UH Lower Campus Field. The Rainbow Wahine improved to 3-3 on the...

ADVERTISEMENT

Phil Steele: Hawaiʻi ‘Finally Hitting Its Stride,’ Sees Rainbow Warriors as Mountain West Title Contender

Phil Steele: Hawaiʻi ‘Finally Hitting Its Stride,’ Sees Rainbow Warriors as Mountain West Title Contender

Aug 7, 2026

Phil Steele: Hawaiʻi ‘Finally Hitting Its Stride,’ Sees Rainbow Warriors as Mountain West Title Contender

Coming off a nine-win season, Hawaiʻi enters 2026 with increased expectations, and longtime college football analyst Phil Steele believes the Rainbow Warriors have what it takes to contend for a Mountain West championship.

Appearing on Hawaiʻi Sports Radio Network’s Wake Up in The Den with Ku’ulei Agbayani, the longtime publisher of Phil Steele’s College Football Preview said Timmy Chang has built one of the most stable programs in the Group of Six, pointing to the Rainbow Warriors’ player retention, experienced quarterback play and favorable conference schedule as reasons Hawaiʻi is a legitimate Mountain West championship contender.

“I think he’s doing a tremendous job,” Steele said of Chang. “He’s not relying on bringing in 50 new guys in the transfer portal every year. He’s retaining his players while adding impact pieces where needed.”

Steele noted Hawaiʻi ranks among the nation’s better “homegrown” programs, a rarity outside the Power Four conferences. He believes that continuity has fueled the program’s steady climb from three wins in Chang’s first season to last year’s 9-4 campaign.

Confidence Remains Despite Ashlock Uncertainty

One of the biggest questions entering the season is the availability of preseason All-Mountain West receiver Pofele Ashlock.

Even if Hawaiʻi is without one of its top offensive weapons early in the season, Steele said he isn’t changing his outlook.

Instead, he pointed to the Rainbow Warriors’ history of developing receivers, the additions of transfers Audric Harris and Davin Alves, an experienced offensive line and veteran quarterback Micah Alejado as reasons he still believes Hawaiʻi has enough offensive firepower to compete for a conference title.

Defense Expected to Continue Improving

Steele was equally complimentary of defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman, crediting him for the dramatic improvement Hawaiʻi has made over the past two seasons.

Although the Rainbow Warriors must replace several contributors along the defensive front, Steele believes the coaching staff successfully addressed that need through the transfer portal by targeting experienced players.

He also highlighted Elijah Palmer as an NFL-caliber defensive back and praised the additions in the secondary, saying Hawaiʻi should once again field one of the conference’s stronger defenses.

Hawai’i receiver Pofele Ashlock catches a pass from Micah Alejado in the first quarter for the Rainbow Warriors’ first points of the 2025 season. | Photo credit: Rayden Aoki, HSRN

Stanford Opener Presents Opportunity

Hawaiʻi opens the season on the road at Stanford in Week Zero, a game Steele views as a “pick ‘em”.

While acknowledging the Rainbow Warriors have historically struggled away from home under Chang, Steele believes the timing works in Hawaiʻi’s favor as Stanford begins its first season under a new coaching staff.

“I think Hawaiʻi’s got a shot at winning the opener, even on the road,” Steele said.

Why the Transfer Portal Feels Different This Year

Beyond Hawaiʻi, Steele also discussed how the absence of a second spring transfer portal window changed the landscape across college football.

After speaking with nearly every FBS head coach, Steele said many told him this spring felt more like building an actual team because players weren’t constantly worried about leaving or being replaced.

He believes that added stability should result in better football across the country this fall.

COVERAGE OF HAWAII FOOTBALL ON HSRN IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Roosevelt debuts brand new gym with four-set win over Kalaheo

Roosevelt debuts brand new gym with four-set win over Kalaheo

Sep 10, 2026

MAKIKI — There was no scenario where the home team didn’t win this match. Roosevelt made sure the first contest in its new gymnasium was a victory as the Rough Riders came away with a four-set win over visiting Kalaheo Wednesday night in an OIA Division-I East...

Helpless Hawai’i offense falters in home opener against UNLV

Helpless Hawai’i offense falters in home opener against UNLV

Sep 5, 2026

HONOLULU – September sadness. The University of Hawai’i football team saw the good vibes of the offseason slither away on Saturday evening, falling 21-6 to conference rival UNLV (1-1, 1-0 Mountain West) inside Clarence T.C. Ching Complex after a...

Hawaiʻi Blanks New Mexico State, 3-0, for Third Straight Shutout

Hawaiʻi Blanks New Mexico State, 3-0, for Third Straight Shutout

Sep 4, 2026

HONOLULU — The University of Hawaiʻi women’s soccer team continued its strong run of form Thursday, scoring three times in the second half to defeat New Mexico State, 3-0, at the UH Lower Campus Field. The Rainbow Wahine improved to 3-3 on the...

ADVERTISEMENT

“This Is the First Step”: Kansei Matsuzawa Embraces NFL Opportunity with the Raiders

“This Is the First Step”: Kansei Matsuzawa Embraces NFL Opportunity with the Raiders

Aug 2, 2026

“This Is the First Step”: Kansei Matsuzawa Embraces NFL Opportunity with the Raiders

For Kansei Matsuzawa, the dream has become reality.

Now comes the hard part.

The former University of Hawaiʻi All-American kicker is in his first NFL training camp after signing with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent this spring.

Matsuzawa signed a three-year undrafted free agent contract with Las Vegas that included a $10,000 signing bonus and $25,000 in guaranteed money. But like every undrafted rookie, his opportunity must still be earned. With the NFL’s mandatory roster cutdown to 53 players set for August 30, every practice and every preseason kick carries added significance.

The Raiders also enter camp with a new face leading the kicking room after moving on from longtime kicker Daniel Carlson during the offseason. Las Vegas signed Matt Gay in free agency, giving Matsuzawa the opportunity to compete alongside—and learn from—a proven NFL veteran.

Despite the competition, Matsuzawa isn’t looking ahead to roster decisions.

He’s focused on becoming a better player.

Hawaii K Kansei Matsuzawa celebrates with teammates on the field after drilling a game-winning 38-yard field goal as time expired in regulation. | Photo Credit: Michael Lasquero, HSRN

“I dreamed of playing in the NFL seven years ago, and then my dream came true,” Matsuzawa said. “But there’s a lot of things going on, and I want to do better. I want to be a great player. It’s been amazing, but I feel like this is the first step of my new journey here.”

That perspective carried throughout Matsuzawa’s first media availability with the Raiders on Sunday.

Instead of discussing pressure or uncertainty, the former Rainbow Warrior repeatedly returned to the same themes that helped him become one of college football’s most dependable kickers: consistency, routine and daily improvement.

When reporters told Matsuzawa that Gay had praised him by saying he was ahead of where the veteran believed he was as an NFL rookie, Matsuzawa admitted he hadn’t heard the compliment before.

“Oh my gosh, I didn’t know that,” he said. “I think I have a good routine and work ethic, and I trust my process. That’s what I focused on in college. To be elite in the NFL, I’m working on an even better routine, taking care of my body and continuing to improve.”

Matsuzawa said one of the biggest adjustments to life in the NFL hasn’t necessarily been kicking itself.

It’s learning how to tune out everything happening around him.

“I think it’s pretty much the same honestly, but there’s more attention for sure,” he said. “At the end of the day, I’ve got to focus on myself and my process. Being able to focus on myself is the most important thing.”

That mindset has also shaped his relationship with Gay.

Rather than viewing the veteran as simply the player standing between him and a roster spot, Matsuzawa described Gay as both a mentor and someone who has helped accelerate his development.

“I’m so happy to work with him,” Matsuzawa said. “He’s a great mentor, and I’m so grateful to have a veteran kicker like him. He has tons of experience in the NFL, and the competition has been amazing.”

Matsuzawa also credited months of offseason work with former NFL kick Nick Novak, along with the Raiders coaching staff, for helping prepare him for the professional level. While consistency remained his biggest emphasis at Hawaiʻi, he said the NFL has challenged him to continue developing greater distance and trajectory on his kicks.

Perhaps the most meaningful moment came when Matsuzawa reflected on how he arrived in Las Vegas in the first place.

In 2018, he attended his first-ever NFL game.

It just happened to be a Raiders game.

Now, less than a decade later, he’s wearing the Silver and Black.

“It’s definitely a full-circle moment,” Matsuzawa said. “I went to a Raiders game in 2018. That was my first NFL game. I’ve always been influenced by the players, the team and the fans. Now I’m on the player side, so it’s really exciting to me.”

While his focus remains squarely on earning a place on the Raiders’ 53-man roster, Matsuzawa hopes his journey extends beyond football.

He hopes it inspires others.

“My journey is a little unique and different,” he said. “I want to inspire people—not just in Japan, but around the world. It’s never too late. If you have motivation and work ethic, you can make it to the top level. If I can do it, I think everybody can.”

For Matsuzawa, reaching the NFL wasn’t the destination.

It’s simply the first step.

Roosevelt debuts brand new gym with four-set win over Kalaheo

Roosevelt debuts brand new gym with four-set win over Kalaheo

Sep 10, 2026

MAKIKI — There was no scenario where the home team didn’t win this match. Roosevelt made sure the first contest in its new gymnasium was a victory as the Rough Riders came away with a four-set win over visiting Kalaheo Wednesday night in an OIA Division-I East...

Helpless Hawai’i offense falters in home opener against UNLV

Helpless Hawai’i offense falters in home opener against UNLV

Sep 5, 2026

HONOLULU – September sadness. The University of Hawai’i football team saw the good vibes of the offseason slither away on Saturday evening, falling 21-6 to conference rival UNLV (1-1, 1-0 Mountain West) inside Clarence T.C. Ching Complex after a...

Hawaiʻi Blanks New Mexico State, 3-0, for Third Straight Shutout

Hawaiʻi Blanks New Mexico State, 3-0, for Third Straight Shutout

Sep 4, 2026

HONOLULU — The University of Hawaiʻi women’s soccer team continued its strong run of form Thursday, scoring three times in the second half to defeat New Mexico State, 3-0, at the UH Lower Campus Field. The Rainbow Wahine improved to 3-3 on the...

ADVERTISEMENT

Rainbow Wahine Volleyball Begins New Era as Joshua Walker Leads First Official Practice

Rainbow Wahine Volleyball Begins New Era as Joshua Walker Leads First Official Practice

Aug 1, 2026

Rainbow Wahine Volleyball Begins New Era as Joshua Walker Leads First Official Practice

HONOLULU – A new chapter officially began for the University of Hawaiʻi women’s volleyball program on Thursday as first-year head coach Joshua Walker led the Rainbow Wahine through their first official practice of the 2026 season.

Just weeks after being named the program’s head coach, Walker admitted the whirlwind transition still hasn’t fully sunk in.

“As soon as everything was announced, it was go time,” Walker said. “It’s been a whirlwind. But to me, the job is the job, and that’s what I came to do.”

Walker inherits a program looking to bounce back from a difficult 2025 campaign while establishing a new culture centered around what he calls “MAUNA” — an acronym outlining the team’s mission, attitude, uniformity, no excuses and ability to assimilate new concepts.

Junior Libero/defensive specialist Victoria Leyva participates in the first official practice of the 2026 season. (Photo by Michael Lasquero/HSRN)

“We’re actually improving,” Walker said. “So that’s the focus for this year.”

The former Rainbow Warrior standout has quickly assembled one of the nation’s most accomplished coaching staffs.

Joining Walker are associate head coach Heather Olmstead, the 2018 AVCA National Coach of the Year, assistant coach Kolby Kanetake, the 2024 AVCA Division II Assistant Coach of the Year, and Will McDonald, who spent the past three seasons working alongside Walker at Baylor.

Walker said putting together a staff with complementary strengths was a priority.

“She’s a professional. She is elite at what she does,” Walker said of Olmstead. “Having someone like Will on board is instrumental as well… putting all those pieces together.”

The Rainbow Wahine will also take a slightly different approach to preseason preparation this year. Hawaiʻi will play exhibition matches versus Hawaiʻi Hilo on Aug. 15 at Afook-Chinen Civic Center before returning home to face Chaminade on Aug. 17, giving the team valuable game experience before the matches count.

“I just wanted this opportunity for us… to get some game reps,” Walker said. “Practice traveling, practice a home match before the matches get real.”

Senior middle blocker Miliana Sylvester believes the team is eager to turn the page after an offseason filled with change.

“We’re super excited to get started,” Sylvester said. “We have the pieces. I think we’re pretty talented this year, so we’re super excited. We’re ready to go.”

Despite roster turnover and a coaching change, Sylvester said the adversity strengthened the group.

“I think it definitely brought the team tighter,” she said. “Everyone that’s decided to stay… knows this is bigger than us. There’s a history behind it that we want to be a part of, a legacy that we want to continue.”

She also praised Walker’s experience as both a former Rainbow Warrior and an accomplished coach.

Hawaiʻi middle blocker Miliana Sylvester speaks with local media ahead of the team’s first official practice of the 2026 season. (Photo by Michael Lasquero/HSRN)

“He’s been in our shoes, so he knows what it’s like to play for this university and what it means,” Sylvester said. “I think he’s a great role model for us to look up to.”

Outside hitter Tali Hakas, who returns after working back from injury, echoed the excitement surrounding the program’s fresh start.

“I’ve been waiting for this time for a long, long time,” Hakas said. “I’ve been dreaming about this day. It’s finally here, so let’s just go after it.”

Hakas said the team is embracing the transition under Walker.

“We are open-minded. We are eager to learn and to develop, and whatever that takes, we’ll make this season the best we can.”

Outside hitter Tali Hakas participates in the first official practice under new head coach Joshua Walker. (Photo by Michael Lasquero/HSRN)

Walker said success this season starts long before the opening serve.

“I think just finding ways to win,” he said. “Everything from showing up to class on time, getting good grades, being a great teammate… It’s just getting a rhythm of doing the right things over and over again until we can’t get it wrong.”

Hawaiʻi opens the regular season by hosting the Hawaiian Airlines Wahine Volleyball Classic from Aug. 28-30, where the Rainbow Wahine will face Georgia Southern, Baylor and San Diego.

Roosevelt debuts brand new gym with four-set win over Kalaheo

Roosevelt debuts brand new gym with four-set win over Kalaheo

Sep 10, 2026

MAKIKI — There was no scenario where the home team didn’t win this match. Roosevelt made sure the first contest in its new gymnasium was a victory as the Rough Riders came away with a four-set win over visiting Kalaheo Wednesday night in an OIA Division-I East...

Helpless Hawai’i offense falters in home opener against UNLV

Helpless Hawai’i offense falters in home opener against UNLV

Sep 5, 2026

HONOLULU – September sadness. The University of Hawai’i football team saw the good vibes of the offseason slither away on Saturday evening, falling 21-6 to conference rival UNLV (1-1, 1-0 Mountain West) inside Clarence T.C. Ching Complex after a...

Hawaiʻi Blanks New Mexico State, 3-0, for Third Straight Shutout

Hawaiʻi Blanks New Mexico State, 3-0, for Third Straight Shutout

Sep 4, 2026

HONOLULU — The University of Hawaiʻi women’s soccer team continued its strong run of form Thursday, scoring three times in the second half to defeat New Mexico State, 3-0, at the UH Lower Campus Field. The Rainbow Wahine improved to 3-3 on the...

ADVERTISEMENT

Hawaii football training camp Day 1 notes, quotes and observations

Hawaii football training camp Day 1 notes, quotes and observations

Jul 29, 2026

Hawaii football training camp Day 1 notes, quotes and observations

HONOLULU – Off and running in the sun.

Day 1 of the University of Hawai’i football team’s training camp brought plenty of juice, getting active on Wednesday as the Rainbow Warriors open a season with championship aspirations and big expectations from the outside world.

Fifth-year head coach Timmy Chang was as energized as ever to begin camp, and the rest of his staff brought the same juice to the gridiron on the first day.

The quarterback controversy that swept over social media last week surrounding UH only having two rostered QBs can be put to rest. Four players trotted out in red no-contact QB jerseys on the opening day for the Rainbow Warriors, seeing KS-Kapālama alum Hazyn Botelho and West Virginia Wesleyan transfer Isaac Jaramilla-Phe join Micah Alejado and Bjorn Jurgensen for all the throwing drills.

Alejado, the preseason Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year pick, is the clear No. 1 at the signal caller spot for the second straight training camp. After fighting through a variety of lower body injuries last season, the third-year QB said he feels “better than 100% right now” as practices begin.

The same cannot be said about one of his favorite targets as senior all-conference WR Pofele Ashlock missed the opening day of workouts. Chang declined to comment in detail about Ashlock, but did acknowledge that the receiver was dealing with an injury.

“We hope to get him back here shortly,” Chang continued. “We’ll see how his progression goes, but he’s looking a lot better than when we ended spring [practices] to now … Just day by day with him.”

His absence from the field does allow for the variety of new receivers on the roster to work with Alejado and Jurgensen. After losing nearly 150 catches from the departure of four guys (two transfers, two graduations), there were already plenty of other targets to figure out how to divvy up.

Tama Uiliata will get plenty of chances to cement himself as a trusted outlet for Alejado, but transfers Devin Alves, Blaze Kamoku and Tre’ Griffiths are just a few of the pass catchers who will also look to soak up the targets from the left-handed gunslinger.

Overall, Chang was pleased with the first day of work from his team as the 2026 edition of the Rainbow Warriors try to set the foundation for a championship caliber season. He and his starting quarterback echoed the same message about goals for camp – staying consistent and staying as healthy as possible ahead of August 29 at Stanford.

HAWAI’I FOOTBALL COVERAGE ON HSRN IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Wyoming whacks Hawai’i to reclaim Paniolo Trophy

Wyoming whacks Hawai’i to reclaim Paniolo Trophy

Sep 26, 2026

Football provides the option to snatch souls or get your soul snatched. The University of Hawai’i football team experienced the latter of the two on Saturday, seeing their losing ways in Laramie continue as Wyoming (2-2, 1-0 Mountain West) took...

Waipahu rolls past Waianae on homecoming night, 42-14

Waipahu rolls past Waianae on homecoming night, 42-14

Sep 26, 2026

WAIPAHU — Jake Garcia and Jayse Braun connected for three touchdowns as Waipahu rolled past Wai’anae 42-14 in a homecoming game Friday night at the Masa Yonamine Athletic Complex. Garcia, a sophomore quarterback, completed 19 of 34 passes for 388...

Hawai‘i heads to Wyoming looking to retain Paniolo Trophy

Hawai‘i heads to Wyoming looking to retain Paniolo Trophy

Sep 25, 2026

Hawai‘i returns from its first bye week of the season with a rivalry trophy in tow and another opportunity to get its season moving in the right direction. The Rainbow Warriors (1-2, 0-1 Mountain West) travel to Laramie to face Wyoming (1-2, 0-0)...

ADVERTISEMENT

Three questions as Hawaii football opens up training camp

Three questions as Hawaii football opens up training camp

Jul 29, 2026

Three questions as Hawaii football opens up training camp

HONOLULU – Welcome to Year 5 of the Timmy Chang era.

After the best season since the 2019 run to the Mountain West championship game, the University of Hawai’i football program enters the 2026 campaign with expectations to compete for a conference championship.

It’s a far cry from the disastrous situation that Chang took over ahead of the spring of 2022, one that had the program on its knees fighting to stay alive in the changing landscape of college athletics while it dealt with the fallout of the Todd Graham regime.

A relatively barren roster set to play for a coach that didn’t recruit them in a temporary stadium arrangement ended up how most would expect in 2022, but Hawai’i has improved its record in every season under Chang since.

That led to a 9-4 record and an exciting conclusion in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl last year, bringing energy and national attention back to UH football. Add in the fact of Hawai’i lost under a handful of players in the transfer portal and retained the most important one in QB Micah Alejado and expectations only grew as the offseason progressed.

Alejado is at the top of the list of reasons why fans are optimistic about the Rainbow Warriors’ opportunity to compete for a Mountain West title in the new-look conference. The left-handed gunslinger was named the league’s Preseason Offensive Player of the Year on July 15 after a rockstar redshirt freshman campaign saw him lead the MWC in touchdown passes.

With Chang, Alejado and the rest of the “Braddahhood” prepared to kick of the 2026 campaign on Wednesday, here are three questions still pressing entering preseason training camp for the Rainbow Warriors.

How do new pass catchers look versus defensive backs room full of fresh faces?

This one is slightly cheating the exercise with two questions in one.

One of the few transfers Hawai’i lost due to NIL was all-Mountain West 1st-team WR Jackson Harris, who made his way to the SEC to play for Lane Kiffin and the LSU Tigers. The 6-foot-2 playmaker racked up a team-best 963 receiving yards and paced the conference with 12 touchdown catches, leaving a ginormous hole in the production share from last year’s UH squad.

Add in the graduation of Karsyn Pupunu and Nick Cenacle (who is enjoying a nice rooking season in the CFL currently) along with Brandon White’s transfer to K-State and the Rainbow Warriors have 148 catches and nearly 200 targets from last year that won’t be getting looks from Alejado this season.

So, who is going to soak up the chance at success?

The answer might (and likely would be) whoever can find the most success against the DBs lining up against them in practice when the first-team offense is on the field. There are PLENTY of options that the Rainbow Warriors added to the roster this offseason, and that doesn’t even dive into a room of riches in returning wideouts for Chang.

In terms of defensive backs, Hawai’i will have plenty to figure out before heading to Stanford in Week 0. For the first time in Chang’s tenure, he won’t have Peter Manuma patrolling sideline to sideline. Kilinahe Mendiola-Jensen also said aloha after his breakout final season of eligibility, leaving UH without either starting safety from last year.

Matagi Thompson could slot into one of those spots after a strong finish to 2025 and Kodi DeCambra transferred to the islands from UNLV, looking to unlock the form that saw him ranked as a four-star recruit coming out of Bishop Gorman (NV) in 2023. But assumptions are dangerous, and spots (mostly) need to be won.

The cornerbacks aren’t safe from discussion either with senior Elijah Palmer as the only returning starter from last year’s group. Hawai’i brought home familiar face Caleb “C-Bo” Brown after a Virginia Tech sabbatical last year, but he’ll have to get back to his top form after suffering an injury that sidelined him after just three games with the Hokies.

The rest of the snaps seem up for grabs for a hodgepodge of hungry players who returned from last year’s group and transfers that came to the islands ready to compete for legitimate playing time.

What’s the old phrase? Iron sharpens iron?

That’s how Hawaii’s WR vs DB battle matches up in camp. Who emerges?

How does Bjorn Jurgensen take on the backup QB mantle?

There is no QB battle.

Not for the starting gig, and not for the backup job either.

Jurgensen comes to the islands after redshirting last season at Virginia. At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds on paper, his frame is practically a perfect match to what Luke Weaver played at last year for the Rainbow Warriors.

Following Weaver’s transfer to San Jose State (where he’s expected to compete for the starting gig) and the reported dismissal of freshman Maika Eugenio right after Mountain West Media Days, Jurgensen has a straight shot to the QB2 role for UH.

Jurgensen was ranked as one of the top QB recruits in the 2025 class, checking in at No. 33 out of nearly 250 QB recruits indexed by 247Sports. He racked up 2,709 passing yards as a senior and accounted for 38 total touchdowns (27 pass, 11 rush) as he wrapped up a Hall of Fame-worthy career at Bishop Moore Catholic (FL) that saw him set 15 school records.

He spent last year with Virginia, redshirting for a Cavaliers squad that went 11-3 and spent most of the season ranked in the top 25 nationally. It’ll have been nearly two years since he was the main signal caller for a team in a game when the 2026 season kicks off at the end of August.

Jurgensen has all the talent that UH fans could ask for from the QB2 spot, but when college defenses are out there trying to cause confusion, it’s still TBD on how he produces.

Will he be as effective as Weaver was last season?

How does the new offensive line shake out?

Good news – Hawai’i was able to retain a starting tackle and center from last year’s O-Line group that helped the team lead the Mountain West in passing yards.

Bad news – Hawai’i graduated three starters on the O-Line, including both guards and the left-handed QB’s blindside protecting right tackle.

More good news – The Rainbow Warriors brought in a variety of new faces to compete for snaps and ranks on the depth chart.

With Ethan Spencer and Dean Briski each returning for UH, Micah Alejado has two secure protectors in front of him as he looks to make good on preseason conference Player of the Year honors. Spencer was the PFF’s third-highest graded Mountain West center last year and Briski will likely get a shot at shifting to Alejado’s blindside protector after starting 11 of the 13 games for UH in his junior campaign on the left side.

That leaves three spots to still figure out in the trenches for the Rainbow Warriors. Sophomore OL Boogie Henderson filled in admirably for Briski at left tackle in 2025 for a brief stretch, but there will be a variety of new faces that joined via the high school or transfer portal ranks that are vying for those same snaps.

The issue of the interior spots next to Spencer could be the bigger question by itself. Kuao Peihopa allowed just six pressures in over 600 snaps last season at right guard as he battled through injuries and Zhen Sotelo started all 13 games at left guard and earned an All-Mountain West honorable mention after playing over 800 snaps and not giving up a sack.

Who fills in the gaps in the interior? How does the new line best coalesce?

Most of all, who do you trust most to keep your quarterback upright and safe as much as possible?

HAWAI’I FOOTBALL COVERAGE ON HSRN IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Roosevelt debuts brand new gym with four-set win over Kalaheo

Roosevelt debuts brand new gym with four-set win over Kalaheo

Sep 10, 2026

MAKIKI — There was no scenario where the home team didn’t win this match. Roosevelt made sure the first contest in its new gymnasium was a victory as the Rough Riders came away with a four-set win over visiting Kalaheo Wednesday night in an OIA Division-I East...

Helpless Hawai’i offense falters in home opener against UNLV

Helpless Hawai’i offense falters in home opener against UNLV

Sep 5, 2026

HONOLULU – September sadness. The University of Hawai’i football team saw the good vibes of the offseason slither away on Saturday evening, falling 21-6 to conference rival UNLV (1-1, 1-0 Mountain West) inside Clarence T.C. Ching Complex after a...

Hawaiʻi Blanks New Mexico State, 3-0, for Third Straight Shutout

Hawaiʻi Blanks New Mexico State, 3-0, for Third Straight Shutout

Sep 4, 2026

HONOLULU — The University of Hawaiʻi women’s soccer team continued its strong run of form Thursday, scoring three times in the second half to defeat New Mexico State, 3-0, at the UH Lower Campus Field. The Rainbow Wahine improved to 3-3 on the...

ADVERTISEMENT