Three players to watch as Hawai’i heads to Northern Illinois for the first time

Three players to watch as Hawai’i heads to Northern Illinois for the first time

Oct 23, 2026

Three players to watch as Hawai’i heads to Northern Illinois for the first time

HONOLULU – It’s a rivalry as old as… well, this year.

The University of Hawai’i football team travels to face Northern Illinois for the first-ever meeting between the programs on Saturday as both squads look to secure their first Mountain West victory of the 2026 campaign.

It’s been a tough year for both squads, seeing the Rainbow Warriors drop six of their first seven games after entering the year as a potential conference favorite while the Huskies have stumbled to an 0-6 start overall and 0-2 mark in their first go-round in the Mountain West.

It’ll be Hall of Fame weekend in De Kalb, Ill, as NIU celebrates seven new members to the school’s Athletics Hall of Fame and retires former QB Jordan Lynch’s number. The Huskies will be looking at Saturday as their best opportunity so far to get off the snide while Hawai’i tries to keep longshot bowl hopes alive and spoil a special weekend for the hosts.

With both sides desperate for a win, here’s a look at three players who could play a big role in a potential road upset for the Rainbow Warriors.

RB DeVon Rice

Rice was the darling of an otherwise disastrous offense early in the year, scoring four touchdowns across the first three games for Hawai’i. The speedy sophomore snagged a receiving touchdown and ran another in during the season-opener at Stanford and had a pair of trips to the end zone in the team’s lone win of the year against New Mexico State on September 12.

DeVon Rice gets taken down by the San Jose State defense. | Photo Credit: Michael Lasquero, HSRN

His role has curiously dipped in October, getting no more than seven touches in a game through three games this month. Part of that is the return of senior RB Cam Barfield from an ankle injury suffered against Stanford, but another part has been a strange refusal to run the ball more from the Hawai’i offense.

The Huskies have shown an ability to slow down opposing passing attacks throughout the year, allowing under 200 yards passing in four of the team’s last five games. While the Rainbow Warriors will want to continue the aerial attack on the road, allowing Rice to return to his productive self with more touches on Saturday could go a long way towards snapping UH’s four-game losing streak.

WR Devin Alves

Alves has turned it on over the past month for Hawai’i, collecting three or more catches and 60 or more yards in all three games in October. The speedy 6-foot-3 senior has separated himself as QB Micah Alejado’s top downfield target in that time with an explosive catch of 20+ yards in each contest this month and had his first UH touchdown catch against San Jose State.

Against a team that’s done far better limiting opposing passing attacks, Alves could play a key role in stretching the defense and providing a lift on the road that the Rainbow Warriors could really need. With Pofele Ashlock and Carson Brown each trending towards being out another week, Alves’ role should only continue to grow for Hawai’i.

If the senior can find his way to paydirt from more than 20 yards out for the second time this season, it could also help alleviate some of the scoring woes that the Rainbow Warriors have faced in the red zone this season. Any help is appreciated for an otherwise helpless UH offense on the road.

DB Jeremiah Hughes

Hughes had a huge night against New Mexico, collecting his first two career interceptions while receiving his highest single-game PFF grade of the year. It was a nice bounce back outing for the junior corner after posting his worst grade of the season the week before at Arizona State.

Hawai’i DB Jeremiah Hughes celebrates after one of his two interceptions against New Mexico. | Photo Credit: Riley Guillermo, HSRN

With Mountain West receptions leader DeAree Rogers waiting across the way on Saturday, Hughes (and the rest of the Rainbow Warrior secondary) will have plenty to worry about in De Kalb. If Hawai’i’s defensive backs can handle Rogers with care, it should help the front of the defense slow down a rushing attack that has been finding its groove with three straight games tallying over 100 yards on the ground.

The UH defense has handled business for long stretches of action this year. They’ll have to do it again on Saturday to help secure the team’s first road win of the year and snap a four-game losing streak.

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

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

Oct 23, 2026

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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High-speed Hawai’i offense on full display in exhibition win over Hawaii Pacific

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Oct 22, 2026

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Hawaii senior guard Jovi Lefotu smiles after making a play against HPU. | Photo Credit: Riley Guillermo

HONOLULU – Runnin’ Rainbow Wahine.

The University of Hawai’i women’s basketball team took to the floor for the first time under the leadership of first-year head coach Khalilah Mitchell on Wednesday night, dominating to the tune of a 90-38 exhibition win over Hawaii Pacific University.

Sophomore Bailey Flavell looked primed for a big second year in the islands, leading the way with 27 points on 10-of-13 shooting, adding four rebounds and a pair of assists in 23 minutes of work against the Sharks as she helped push the tempo from the opening tip.

The Rainbow Wahine sliced and diced HPU in the opening quarter with a consistent downhill attack and speedy transition breaks, taking a 27-7 lead through 10 minutes of action. Hawai’i recorded assists on six of the team’s 10 made baskets, racking up 15 points on the fast break.

Hawaii Pacific started to find the touch from distance in the follow-up frame, drilling three 3-pointers, but still couldn’t stop the Rainbow Wahine from getting to the rim as the lead grew to 28 by halftime. Hawai’i got to the free throw line 20 times in the opening 20 minutes and scored 36 points in the paint, but did turn the ball over eight times before the break.

Ritorya Tamilo had eight of her 14 points in the second quarter against the Sharks, going 4-for-5 from the free throw line while grabbing three of her 12 rebounds on the night. The junior also blocked a shot and attempted a 3-pointer that was off the mark as the 6-foot-5 center continues to work on extending her range.

The Sharks struggled against the length of the Rainbow Wahine, turning the ball over 11 times while connecting on 24% of their attempts from the floor during the first half. HPU fifth-year center Cori Wilcox had a solid showing in her first game action back after suffering a season-ending knee injury, scoring a couple of baskets against the bigger UH posts and grabbing three rebounds in 10 minutes of work.

Hawai’i extended the lead to 42 by the end of the third quarter as Flavell and Jovi Lefotu took turns tormenting the HPU defense, combining for 15 of the Rainbow Wahine’s 23 points in the frame. The Sharks shot just 23% from the field in the third while UH connected on 59% of their shots, scoring 14 points in the paint while hitting on a pair of threes after drilling none from distance in the first half.

Hawaii guard Jovi Lefotu fires a long-range jumper against HPU. | Photo Credit: Riley Guillermo

The Rainbow Wahine bench wrapped up the night with 12 of the final 19 points for the hosts, seeing junior guard Liz Udeze score five of her six points across the final 10 minutes to help secure the 90-38 victory while Tee Bond added four more points to finish the night as the third UH player in double figures with 13 points in 19 minutes of work.

Hawai’i scored 29 points on the break and 58 in the paint, continuing to attack the rim at a consistent rate while holding HPU to 14 points in the painted area and zero on the fast break.

Kalysa Ng knocked down two 3-pointers to while Wilcox added one more bucket after halftime to each lead the Sharks with six points while Jalen Samuel, Kaile Cruz and Mia Frye chipped in five points apiece for the Division 2 squad.

HPU will kick off the regular season with the Hoops in Hawai’i Classic next weekend, taking on Western Colorado on Friday, October 30 at Saint Louis School to open up a three-day tournament.

Hawai’i will be back in action on November 2, traveling to the continent to open up the season on the road against the University of Oregon. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. HT and can be seen on Big Ten Plus.

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Rainbow Wahine Invitational Tees Off with Purpose, Supporting Kaua‘i Hurricane Relief

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KAUA’I, HAWAI’I – The 30th Rainbow Wahine Invitational is about more than golf this year, as the University of Hawai‘i’s annual women’s golf tournament brings together collegiate athletes and supporters to help Kaua‘i families recovering from Hurricane Lowell.

Held Oct. 19–21 at the Ocean Course at Hōkūala, the tournament has partnered with HerbieGives, a Kaua‘i-founded nonprofit established by NFL brothers Nick and Nate Herbig, to raise funds for keiki and families impacted by the storm.

Donations from participating teams, alumni, fans and community supporters will help address immediate recovery needs while supporting long-term efforts to assist local families.

The initiative also promotes the message “Kaua‘i Is Open with Aloha,” encouraging visitors to support the island’s economy while respecting communities still recovering and rebuilding.

“This tournament represents something bigger than golf. We have an incredible opportunity to bring people together physically and virtually to support our island’s recovery, while showing the world that Kauaʻi is Open with Aloha,” said Tom Freestone, general manager of the Ocean Course at Hōkūala.

On the course, BYU and Eastern Michigan share the first-round lead at 4-over 292, while host Hawai‘i sits in 11th place at 24-over. Sophomore Chloe Ku leads the Rainbow Wahine individually after shooting a 4-over 76.

The tournament continues Tuesday with the second round at 9:30 a.m. HST before concluding Wednesday. Admission is free for walking spectators.

Support Kaua‘i’s recovery: Fans and community members can contribute to hurricane relief efforts through HerbieGives’ Rainbow Wahine Invitational fundraising page.

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Hawai’i GK Kennedy Justin plays the ball away during a home match. | Photo Credit: Stacy Sur, HSRN

HONOLULU – The leader of the “No Goal Patrol” keeps powering up.

University of Hawai’i junior goalkeeper Kennedy Justin was named the Mountain West’s Defensive Player of the Week on Monday after helping the Rainbow Wahine soccer team extend its winning streak to five straight games over the weekend.

Justin and the Rainbow Wahine picked up two more clean sheets on the most recent road trip, holding San Jose State scoreless on Thursday in a 2-0 victory before escaping UC Davis with a 1-0 decision on Sunday.

The junior posted a pair of saves against the Spartans, turning away both shots on frame by SJSU. She followed it up three days later at Davis with her second-most saves in a single match this year, collecting seven saves against the Aggies for the team’s eighth shutout of the season.

Justin became the third different goalkeeper in the conference to receive Defensive Player of the Week recognition, joining Wyoming senior GK Haley Bartel (3x) and Colorado College senior GK Regan Wallace. She’s also the third different Rainbow Wahine player to earn Mountain West honors this season, joining Olivia Dianda (Freshman of the Week, Aug. 24) and Pana’ewa Cayetano (Freshman of the Week, Sept. 7).

Hawai’i was the lone team in the conference to play multiple matches last week and not give up a goal. Justin’s seven clean sheets in 13 games ranks second-most among all goal keepers in the Mountain West, trailing Wyoming’s Haley Bartel’s eight shutouts across 15 matches.

The Rainbow Wahine will put the five-game win streak on the line when they return home on Saturday, October 24 to host Grand Canyon. The Lopes are riding a two-match win streak of their own and rank second in the conference with 228 shots as a team this year.

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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)

 

HONOLULU – Host a block party, reap the rewards after.

University of Hawai’i middle blocker Miliana Sylvester was named the Old Trapper Mountain West Women’s Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week on Monday morning after posting 22 total blocks, including nine solo stuffs, over the weekend’s two-match sweep at Wyoming.

The junior recorded her first career double-double in Thursday’s five-set thriller against the Cowgirls, punching down 11 kills while setting a new career high with 13 blocks (five solo) in the victory. It was the best blocking performance in the Mountain West so far this year, surpassing UNLV’s Jada Miller’s 10-block performance from October 10 at Grand Canyon.

She followed it up on Saturday evening with nine kills and a team-high nine blocks (four solo) as Hawai’i handled business in four frames to remain unbeaten in Mountain West play.

It’s the first conference Defensive Player of the Week award that Sylvester has earned in her career. The junior was named the Big West’s Freshman of the Week twice in 2024, putting together 29 kills and 12 blocks over three wins to earn the first of the two awards and 30 kills over two matches to receive the same recognition two weeks later.

She’s the first Rainbow Wahine player to be named Defensive Player of the Week this season and joined Panna Ratkai (Offensive Player of the Week, Sept. 7) and Adrianna Arquette (Offensive Player of the Week, Sept. 21) as the third different UH player to receive conference recognition across the first half of the campaign.

Hawai’i (16-3, 8-0 Mountain West) returns home this weekend for a two-match series against UNLV (8-11, 4-4 Mountain West). The Lady Rebels enter the week riding a two-game win streak, the second-longest active streak in the conference behind the Rainbow Wahine’s eight straight victories.

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