Mountain West Unveils Expanded Media Rights Deal Through 2032

Mountain West Unveils Expanded Media Rights Deal Through 2032

Feb 3, 2026

Mountain West Unveils Expanded Media Rights Deal Through 2032

HSRN STAFF | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 3, 2026

The Mountain West Conference announced a sweeping new media rights package Tuesday, securing long-term partnerships with CBS Sports, FOX Sports, The CW Network, and streaming partner Kiswe.

The agreements with CBS Sports, FOX Sports, and Kiswe run six years from the 2026-27 through 2031-32 seasons, while The CW Network has committed to a five-year deal through 2030-31. Conference officials described the deal as the most expansive media distribution plan in Mountain West history, pairing national broadcast exposure with an enhanced direct-to-consumer streaming platform.

Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez said the agreement delivers “unprecedented national linear visibility” while creating new digital opportunities that spotlight student-athletes, institutions, and conference-wide storytelling.

According to Chris Vannini of The Athletic, financials of the deal were not disclosed, but Nevarez confirmed that legacy conference members will not see a decrease from the previous media rights payout of around $3.5 million per year, which was promised in the grant of rights, whether the money comes entirely from the TV deal or is drawn in part from league reserves.

Mountain West Coverage by Network

 

CBS Sports

  • 15 regular-season football games annually on CBS Sports Network

  • At least one football game per year on the CBS Television Network and Paramount+

  • 18 regular-season men’s basketball games on CBS Sports Network

  • Men’s Basketball Championship Game remains on CBS

  • Men’s tournament quarterfinals and semifinals on CBS Sports Network

  • Two regular-season women’s basketball games annually

  • Women’s Basketball Championship Game on CBS Sports Network

FOX Sports

  • Exclusive rights to the Mountain West Football Championship Game

  • 12 regular-season football games per year across FOX, FS1, and FS2

  • 20 regular-season men’s basketball games annually

The CW Network

  • 13 regular-season football games annually

  • 20 regular-season men’s basketball games

  • 15 regular-season women’s basketball games

  • Represents a significant increase in national exposure for Mountain West women’s basketball

Collectively, CBS, FOX, and The CW will broadcast more than 150 live Mountain West events each year, maximizing exposure across national windows and major sports platforms.

MW App & Streaming Expansion

In partnership with Kiswe, the Mountain West will launch an upgraded MW App in July 2026, transitioning from a free model to a subscription-based service. The platform will serve as the exclusive streaming home for Mountain West events not carried on national linear television and is expected to feature more than 1,000 live regular-season and postseason events annually, on-demand replays, highlights, and original programming.

Fans will also be able to access the MW App through a subscription on Prime Video this fall, expanding availability across connected TV and mobile platforms.

University of Hawai’i

As a full Mountain West member beginning in 2026, the University of Hawai‘i stands to benefit from the conference’s expanded national footprint while continuing to pursue a separate local media partnership for Rainbow Warrior home events.

“Today’s conference media rights announcement starts an exciting new chapter for University of Hawai‘i Athletics and the Mountain West,” said UH Athletics Director Matt Elliott. “The package ensures broad conference exposure with national TV partners FOX, CBS, and The CW, while also vastly increasing the overall availability of UH competitions through the Mountain West’s direct-to-consumer platform.”

“With the national media rights finalized, securing a local media partner is the next major priority for UH,” Elliott added. “We are committed to finding a partner who recognizes the value of the UH brand and celebrates our unique identity while further amplifying our student-athletes’ successes. We will establish a partnership that drives revenue and delivers a high-quality experience for our local viewers, the broadcaster, and the University.”

 

National vs. Local Media Rights — What It Means

National Media Rights
The Mountain West’s national media rights deal controls games selected for broadcast on CBS Sports, FOX Sports, The CW Network, and streaming platforms tied to the conference. These agreements provide national exposure for Mountain West teams and ensure marquee matchups are widely available across the country.

Local Media Rights
Local media rights are negotiated individually by each school and cover games not picked up by national partners. For the University of Hawai‘i, this includes the majority of Rainbow Warrior & Rainbow Wahine home events and determines how fans across the islands can watch games on local TV, streaming platforms, and digital channels.

Together, the two structures work in tandem — national partners elevate visibility beyond Hawai‘i, while a local media partner ensures consistent, accessible coverage for fans at home.

Mountain West Conference Members (2026-27)

Football Members (Competing in Mountain West Football)

These schools will field Mountain West football teams beginning in the 2026 season:

  • United States Air Force Academy

  • University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (upgrading from football-only to full member)

  • University of Nevada, Reno

  • University of New Mexico

  • Northern Illinois University (football-only member)

  • San José State University

  • University of Nevada, Las Vegas

  • University of Texas at El Paso

  • University of Wyoming

This group will compete for the Mountain West Football Championship and follow an eight-game conference schedule.

Full Members (All Sports Except Football Where Not Listed Above)

These schools compete across most Mountain West championship sports, including basketball and Olympic sports:

  • University of California, Davis — All MW sports except football*

  • Grand Canyon University — All MW sports except football (already competing beginning 2025-26)

*UC Davis football currently competes in the Big Sky Conference (FCS)

Affiliate Members (Sport-Specific)

These institutions participate in select Mountain West sports only:

  • Colorado College (Women’s Soccer)

  • Northern Illinois University (Football & Women’s Gymnastics)

  • Utah Tech University (Baseball & Men’s Swimming & Diving)

Sylvester snags Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week honors

Sylvester snags Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week honors

Oct 19, 2026

 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...

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Hawai‘i Football Spring Roster 2026

Hawai‘i Football Spring Roster 2026

Feb 3, 2026

Hawai’i head coach Timmy Chang looks on during a home game. The fourth-year head coach has the Rainbow Warriors one game away from a postseason return. | Photo Credit: Michael Lasquero, HSRN

Hawai‘i Football Spring Roster 2026

HSRN STAFF | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 3, 2026

The University of Hawai‘i has released its 2026 Spring Football roster, offering an early look at the personnel that will shape the Rainbow Warriors heading into spring practices. The roster features a blend of returning veterans, emerging underclassmen, and new faces across every position group, with a strong local presence from O‘ahu and the neighbor islands complemented by experienced transfers from the continent.

With spring camp focused on development, evaluation, and competition, the position-by-position breakdown provides a snapshot of depth, versatility, and roster makeup as Hawai‘i begins preparations for the upcoming season.

Hawai‘i Sports Radio Network will provide continued coverage throughout spring practices, highlighting key position groups, player storylines, and developments as the Rainbow Warriors move closer to kickoff.

Hawai’i football-commit Maika Eugenio fires a pass against Kahuku in Bishop Gorman’s 38-0 win over the Red Raiders. | Photo: Michael Lasquero, HSRN

Quarterbacks (QB)

  • 10 – Bjorn Jurgensen | 6-3, 200 | Fr. | Orlando, Fla. / Bishop Moore Catholic | Virginia

  • 12 – Micah Alejado | 5-10, 180 | So. | Las Vegas, Nev. / Bishop Gorman HS

  • 14 – Maika Eugenio | 6-0, 180 | Fr. | Las Vegas, Nev. / Bishop Gorman HS

Running Backs (RB)

  • 0 – Cam Barfield | 5-7, 190 | Sr. | Las Vegas, Nev. / Bishop Gorman HS | Boston College

  • 1 – DeVon Rice | 5-9, 175 | So. | Las Vegas, Nev. / Bishop Gorman HS | Kansas State

  • 22 – Titan Lacaden | 5-6, 170 | Rf. | Kapolei, O‘ahu / Saint Louis School

  • 26 – Sitani Mikaele | 5-11, 235 | So. | Waiahole, O‘ahu / Farrington HS

  • 28 – TJ Fo‘ilefutu | 6-0, 235 | Fr. | Peoria, Ariz. / Liberty HS

  • 31 – Tryton Keli‘ikipi | 5-8, 185 | So. | Wai‘anae, O‘ahu / Kapolei HS

Wide Receivers (WR)

  • 2 – Audric Harris | 6-1, 190 | Jr. | Bellflower, Calif. / Bishop Gorman HS | Washington

  • 3 – Carson Brown | 6-1, 195 | Sr. | Ankeny, Iowa / Dowling Catholic | Iowa State

  • 4 – Jarvis “Dino” Heimuli | 6-3, 195 | So. | Fort Worth, Texas / Euless Trinity HS

  • 5 – Pofele Ashlock | 6-2, 180 | Sr. | Euless, Texas / Trinity HS

  • 6 – Kainoa “Kaikai” Carvalho | 5-6, 165 | Rf. | La‘ie, O‘ahu / Kahuku HS

  • 7 – Tre’ Griffiths | 6-3, 205 | So. | Keller, Texas / Keller HS | Oklahoma State

  • 8 – Tama Uiliata | 5-11, 190 | So. | Waipahu, O‘ahu / Waipahu HS

  • 11 – Devin Alves | 6-3, 195 | Sr. | Melbourne, Fla. / Melbourne Senior HS | Virginia Tech

  • 13 – Koa Eldredge | 6-0, 195 | Sr. | Honolulu, O‘ahu / Punahou School | BYU

  • 17 – Nick Delgadillo | 6-0, 185 | Jr. | Wai‘anae, O‘ahu / Saint Louis School

  • 18 – Blaze Kamoku | 5-6, 170 | Sr. | Kapolei, O‘ahu / Kamehameha Schools | Olivet Nazarene

  • 19 – Diezel Kamoku | 5-9, 200 | So. | Kapolei, O‘ahu / Kahuku HS | Utah

  • 80 – Robert Haynes | 6-2, 170 | Fr. | Missouri City, Texas / Ridge Point HS

  • 83 – Josiah Fetui | 6-3, 180 | So. | ‘Ewa Beach, O‘ahu / Saint Louis School

  • 84 – Dillon Booth | 5-9, 175 | Fr. | Irvine, Calif. / Crean Lutheran HS

  • 86 – Brandon Gaea | 6-0, 190 | Fr. | Honolulu, O‘ahu / Bishop Gorman HS

Tight Ends (TE)

  • 9 – Devon Tauaefa | 6-5, 220 | Sr. | Honolulu, O‘ahu / Saint Louis School

  • 45 – Micah Kaonohi-Kaihenui | 5-11, 255 | Sr. | Waimanalo, O‘ahu / Kamehameha Schools–Kapālama

  • 46 – Matthew Bailiff | 6-1, 235 | Jr. | Kaysville, Utah / Layton Christian Academy

  • 81 – Frank Abreu | 6-4, 235 | Rf. | Kula, Maui / Kamehameha Schools–Maui

  • 85 – Oakie Salave‘a | 6-2, 240 | Sr. | Leone Ili‘ili, American Samoa / Tafuna HS | Colorado

  • 88 – Anthony Hickman | 6-3, 235 | So. | Las Vegas, Nev. / Bishop Gorman HS | Concordia St. Paul

Offensive Line (OL)

  • 50 – Tu‘i Muti | 6-1, 320 | So. | La‘ie, O‘ahu / Punahou School

  • 51 – Eric McFall | 6-4, 320 | So. | Neiafu, Savai‘i, Samoa / Leone HS | NMMI

  • 52 – Dean Briski | 6-5, 305 | Sr. | Pago Pago, American Samoa / Samoana HS

  • 53 – Kawika “KJ” Hallums | 6-2, 295 | Fr. | ‘Aiea, O‘ahu / Bishop Gorman HS

  • 54 – Jordan Kernaghan | 6-3, 290 | Rf. | ‘Ewa Beach, O‘ahu / Campbell HS

  • 55 – Jay Tauala-Harris | 6-3, 285 | So. | Long Beach, Calif. / Lakewood HS

  • 56 – Boogie Henderson | 6-4, 310 | So. | Los Angeles, Calif. / Junipero Serra HS

  • 57 – Ethan Spencer | 6-2, 300 | Sr. | Kailua, O‘ahu / Saint Louis School

  • 58 – Denaris DeRosa Jr. | 6-3, 295 | Sr. | Redwood City, Calif. / St. Francis HS | San Jose State

  • 60 – Ezekiel Salanoa | 5-11, 300 | Rf. | Honolulu, O‘ahu / Saint Louis School

  • 62 – Lautaimi Manuma | 6-3, 290 | So. | ‘Ewa Beach, O‘ahu / Campbell HS

  • 72 – Josh Tavui | 6-2, 300 | Rf. | ‘Ewa Beach, O‘ahu / Campbell HS

  • 73 – Lipe Moala | 6-6, 350 | Jr. | Riverside, Calif. / Mater Dei HS | Oregon

  • 75 – Khalil Walker | 6-5, 315 | Jr. | Canton, Ohio / Pickerington HS | South Florida

  • 77 – Uluaki Taukiuvea | 6-5, 315 | Rf. | West Valley City, Utah / Hunter HS

  • 79 – Judah Kaio | 6-3, 305 | Sr. | Kane‘ohe, O‘ahu / Kahuku HS | Pacific (Ore.)

Defensive Line (DL)

  • 9 – Adam Tomczyk | 6-3, 260 | Sr. | Long Beach, Calif. / Los Alamitos HS | West Virginia

  • 10 – Ka‘eo Akana | 6-3, 245 | Sr. | Honolulu, O‘ahu / Roosevelt HS | Utah

  • 20 – Noah Wily | 6-3, 235 | So. | La‘ie, O‘ahu / Saint Louis School

  • 26 – Nazaiah Caravallo | 6-2, 235 | So. | ‘Ewa Beach, O‘ahu / Campbell HS

  • 33 – Falelua Moalele | 6-5, 260 | Rf. | Tafuna, American Samoa / Liberty HS

  • 51 – Lesterlaisene Lagafuaina | 6-4, 240 | Jr. | Nu‘uuli, American Samoa / Tafuna HS

  • 52 – Luther McCoy | 6-5, 270 | Gr. Proof | St. John’s, Fla. / Creekside HS | Minnesota

  • 55 – Zoram Petelo | 6-4, 270 | So. | Saleaula, Savai‘i, Samoa / Layton Christian Academy

  • 56 – Spencer Elliott | 6-3, 250 | Sr. | Bend, Ore. / Summit HS | Portland State

  • 90 – Ha‘aheo Dela Cruz | 6-2, 260 | So. | Honolulu, O‘ahu / ‘Iolani School

  • 91 – Josh Sagapolutele | 6-0, 255 | Jr. | Waimanalo, O‘ahu / Saint Louis School

  • 92 – Waipehe Winchester | 6-2, 260 | So. | Mililani, O‘ahu / ‘Iolani School

  • 95 – Geoffrey Speight | 6-1, 275 | Sr. | McDonough, Ga. / Union Grove HS | West Georgia

  • 96 – Iosefa Letuli | 6-5, 260 | So. | Oceanside, Calif. / Kaimuki HS | BYU

  • 97 – Jordan Lynch | 6-3, 295 | So. | College Station, Texas / A&M Consolidated HS | UT Permian Basin

  • 99 – Ozzy Pollard | 6-4, 285 | So. | Carmel, Ind. / Carmel HS | Marian University

Linebackers (LB)

  • 7 – Julian “JuJu” Smith | 6-0, 200 | Jr. | Bakersfield, Calif. / Graces Memorial HS | Bakersfield College

  • 11 – Jamih Otis | 5-11, 220 | Sr. | Las Vegas, Nev. / Bishop Gorman HS

  • 12 – Wynden Ho‘ohuli | 6-3, 240 | Sr. | Kapolei, O‘ahu / Mililani HS | Nebraska

  • 18 – Zaden Mariteragi | 6-1, 220 | Rf. | Kahuku, O‘ahu / Farrington HS

  • 30 – Zion “Ziggy” Vea | 5-10, 225 | Fr. | Nānākuli, O‘ahu / Farrington HS

  • 31 – Aisiah “Scoob” Paogofie | 6-1, 220 | Rf. | Wai‘anae, O‘ahu / Campbell HS

  • 35 – Junior Fiaui | 6-3, 210 | So. | San Jose, Calif. / Saint Francis HS

  • 42 – Matteus Ioane | 6-2, 225 | So. | Wahiawa, O‘ahu / Leilehua HS

  • 43 – Alika Cavaco-Amoy | 6-0, 215 | So. | Waimanalo, O‘ahu / Punahou School

  • 47 – Kingston Costales | 5-11, 220 | Rf. | Wai‘anae, O‘ahu / Wai‘anae HS

  • 48 – Kolo Kaulula‘au | 6-0, 215 | Jr. | Kāne‘ohe, O‘ahu / Maryknoll School

  • 49 – Tasi Tadio | 5-11, 225 | So. | Wahiawa, O‘ahu / Saint Louis School

Defensive Backs (DB)

  • 0 – Jeremiah Hughes | 6-0, 195 | Jr. | Las Vegas, Nev. / Bishop Gorman HS | Michigan State

  • 1 – Caleb “C-Bo” Brown | 6-1, 170 | Sr. | Anniston, Ala. / Lithia Springs HS | Virginia Tech

  • 2 – Kona Moore | 6-0, 190 | Sr. | Kapolei, O‘ahu / Saint Louis School

  • 3 – Joenel Figueroa | 6-0, 185 | Sr. | Lawrence, Mass. / Lawrence HS | West Georgia

  • 4 – Elijah Palmer | 5-8, 180 | Sr. | Las Vegas, Nev. / Bishop Gorman HS

  • 5 – Jaylon Edmond | 5-9, 165 | So. | Long Beach, Calif. / Western HS | Wake Forest

  • 6 – Zion Allen | 6-1, 170 | Sr. | Stockton, Calif. / Manteca HS | Southern Utah

  • 13 – Elijah Gipson | 5-11, 160 | Sr. | Los Angeles, Calif. / Oaks Christian HS | Glendale CC

  • 19 – Kela Moore | 6-0, 185 | Jr. | Kapolei, O‘ahu / Campbell HS | UNLV

  • 21 – Makana Meyer | 5-9, 180 | Jr. | Waipahu, O‘ahu / Mililani HS

  • 22 – Ezekiel Rodrigues | 6-0, 185 | So. | Kāne‘ohe, O‘ahu / Mililani HS

  • 23 – Kydel Stone | 6-1, 185 | Fr. | Chandler, Ariz. / Saguaro HS

  • 24 – Kodi DeCambra | 6-0, 190 | Jr. | Honolulu, O‘ahu / Bishop Gorman HS | UNLV

  • 25 – Matagi Thompson | 6-2, 190 | Sr. | Honolulu, O‘ahu / Punahou School

  • 27 – Jahren Altura | 5-10, 175 | Fr. | Honolulu, O‘ahu / Saint Louis School

  • 29 – Kainoa Ontai | 5-11, 175 | Jr. | Manteca, Calif. / East Union HS | Modesto JC

  • 34 – Brayton Correa | 5-10, 185 | Fr. | Honolulu, O‘ahu / Bishop Gorman HS

  • 36 – Jordan Fetu | 5-10, 180 | Sr. | ‘Ewa Beach, O‘ahu / Mililani HS | Olivet Nazarene

  • 37 – Riis Weber | 6-1, 200 | Sr. | Kailua, O‘ahu / Kailua HS | Idaho State

Specialists (P / LS)

  • 33 – Jack Mowrey | LS | 6-3, 245 | Jr. | Charlotte, N.C. / Ardrey Kell HS | James Madison

  • 45 – Nick Pang | LS | 5-10, 220 | Sr. | Honolulu, O‘ahu / Punahou School

  • 43 – Gannon Miller | P | 6-1, 175 | Fr. | Boise, Idaho / Air Force Prep

  • 47 – Gehrig Heil | P | 6-1, 205 | Fr. | Phoenix, Ariz. / Arcadia HS | Texas

  • 98 – Sean Olvera-Harle | P | 6-0, 210 | Sr. | San Juan Capistrano, Calif. / St. Margaret’s Episcopal | Saddleback College

Sylvester snags Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week honors

Sylvester snags Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week honors

Oct 19, 2026

 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...

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Aloha Stadium document reveals important NASED timeline dates

Aloha Stadium document reveals important NASED timeline dates

Jan 26, 2026

Aloha Stadium document reveals important NASED timeline dates

HONOLULU — Giving gifts like flowers and chocolate are quite common on Valentine’s Day.

For the state of Hawai’i this year, physical evidence towards the dismantling of the old Aloha Stadium will be on display during the festive day.

Heavy machinery to help with the demolition of the condemned structure is scheduled to be on site in Halawa on Feb. 14, per public documents on the stadium’s website.

The documents were posted seven days before the Stadium Authority Board’s scheduled monthly meeting this Thursday, which will be held at the Leiopapa a Kamehameha building, also known as The State Office Tower.

The board held its final meeting in the stadium’s old office space last month and will move into its new on-site location next month after a scheduled blessing on Feb. 17, per the document.

Other important details that the document notes is that active on-site work is underway, with installation of the perimeter dust screen fencing, completion of site surveys, cutting and capping of utilities, hazardous materials abatement and interior stadium equipment removal.

The heavy machinery and equipment that are being delivered on site next month will be used for the physical cutting and removal of steel framing in the first quarter of 2026, with actual dismantling to start in March, the document states.

All of the work in the dismantling phase is expected to be completed by the fall, well before construction of the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District (NASED), per the document.

The Stadium Authority and Aloha Halawa District Partners (AHDP) are also expected to come to terms on major agreements in the coming weeks, the document notes.

While the Stadium Development and Operation Agreement and Initial Ground Lease were agreed to last September, negotiations related to the district development agreements are still ongoing.

The document reveals that the Master Developmental Agreement (MDA), the form of Ground Lease and the related shared easements documents are expected to be agreed to tentatively by Feb. 1 and non-substantive language to be finalized before March 1.

The current state of the demolition period and the ongoing negotiations of the remaining district-developmental agreements do not impact the current opening date of March 2029 for the new Aloha Stadium, concludes the document.

Prior coverage on the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District on HSRN:

(Dec. 14, 2023) – New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District Project Update — December 14, 2023

(June 21, 2024) – New Aloha Stadium still on track for 2028 despite developmental group’s withdrawal from RFP process

(June 28, 2024) – NASED update: Stadium Authority board meeting June 2024

(May 29, 2025) – Hawaii edges closer to new Aloha Stadium with demolition permit application

(July 31, 2025) – Stadium agreement expected to be signed within coming weeks as board welcomes new faces, new roles

(Aug. 14, 2025) – Stadium authority agree on terms for new stadium: the good news and ‘not so good news’

(Sept. 17, 2025) – Demolition of Aloha Stadium to Begin, New Development Plans Unveiled

(Sept. 25, 2025) – Major Milestone for the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District

(Dec. 18, 2025) – End of an Era: Demolition of Aloha Stadium has begun

Hawaii-signees Fanuaea and Altura enjoy Polynesian Bowl festivities

Hawaii-signees Fanuaea and Altura enjoy Polynesian Bowl festivities

Jan 17, 2026

Hawaii-signees Fanuaea and Altura enjoy Polynesian Bowl festivities

Jahren Altura (center) comes off the field after a play for Team Makai in the 2026 Polynesian Bowl.

HONOLULU — Before they suit up for the University of Hawai’i football team, future Rainbow Warriors Vainuupo Fanuaea and Jahren Altura got one last opportunity to compete against fellow high school athletes on the gridiron.

The pair were among 100 of the best college signees and prospects that participated in weeklong activities leading up to 2026 Polynesian Bowl at Clarence T.C. Ching Field Friday night.

Many of the all-star game’s prior participants have excelled on the collegiate and professional level, including 2025 NFL first round picks Travis Hunter and Tetairoa McMillan.

Fanuaea, a tight end out of Nanakuli, said the experience was a blessing.

“Being surrounded by people who are considered the best of the best, not only at my position but around the world forces you to see where I need to work on myself,” Fanuaea said.

Both Fanuaea and Altura were on Team Makai, who was coached by Super Bowl-winning coach Doug Pederson.

“It was a great experience being able to play in this game,” said Altura, a cornerback out of Saint Louis. “Everybody here is great competitors and with all these coaches it was awesome to be able to soak up the knowledge from them.”

Fanuaea added: “I think a lot of it was learning technique and using it. I feel like I just got to start building on that more so I can become a better player.”

Altura graduated from Saint Louis in December and will participate in spring ball with the Rainbow Warriors.

“Super excited to be able to join this group,” he said. “It’s a special group, just got to get out there and compete.”

Fanuaea will join the Rainbow Warriors in the summer. He is still competing on the prep level as a hoops player for a Golden Hawks team that is currently undefeated in OIA Division-I West play.

Hawaii football adds stout defensive lineman from Indiana school

Hawaii football adds stout defensive lineman from Indiana school

Jan 12, 2026

Hawaii football adds stout defensive lineman from Indiana school

When Ozzy Pollard saw his phone ring with the area code 808 last December, he thought it was a spam call.

Now he’ll get to play at the stadium where spam musubis get thrown into the stands.

Pollard is one of the newest members of the University of Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors football team after transferring from Marian University in Indianapolis.

As a true freshman for the Knights, Pollard dominated up front and earned MSFA Midwest League Second Team honors as a defensive lineman. The 6-foot-4, 290-pound defensive tackle recorded 32 tackles, with eight tackles for loss, five sacks and four pass breakups.

“The Rainbow Warriors are getting a hard worker,” said Pollard. “I’m hungry to prove myself and I know my best football is in front of me.”

Pollard came off the bench in his collegiate debut before getting promoted to the starting lineup in game No. 2. Coincidentally, the Knights went undefeated in their next 11 games with Pollard starting and reached the quarterfinals of the NAIA Football Championship Series. The season came to an unfortunate end however after Marian self-reported the use of an academic ineligible player and had to forfeit the team’s final three wins.

Pollard entered the transfer portal shortly after Marian’s season ended and was able to start the recruitment process before the main NCAA football transfer portal opened in January because he played for a NAIA school.

Within hours of posting that he was in the portal on Dec. 4, Pollard received offers from FCS schools Eastern Kentucky and North Alabama. A day later, Indiana State and Central Arkansas followed suit. He got his first FBS offer on Dec. 8 from the University of Buffalo of the Mid-American Conference before the offers took a pause.

Pollard’s recruiting picked up ten days later when Jacksonville State offered him before that fateful call from Hawai’i from then-defensive tackles coach Jeff Reinebold during preparation of the Sheraton Hawai’i Bowl.

“My first reaction when I got the call was thinking it was spam, ‘who’s calling me from Honolulu?’ But I picked up, talked with the coach and we immediately hit it off. It was a great conversation,” Pollard said.

Pollard added an offer from North Texas — who finished tied atop the American Conference standings and is currently ranked 25th nationally — on the first day of 2026 before it was time to start choosing his next team.

He said the recruiting process was “crazy and very stressful” with multiple recruiting visits in a short time, but is excited for the next chapter of his playing career.

“What ultimately made me choose Hawai’i was the coaching staff and how they treat their players and everyone involved with the program. I love the Braddahhood,” said Pollard. “I’m really looking forward to learning the culture and lifestyle out here.”

Pollard hails from Carmel, Ind. and played a number of positions at Carmel High School before graduating in 2025. He also competed in track and field with the longest discus throw of his career having a distance of 183 feet and 10 inches.

What the defensive lineman was most known for growing up was being the son of 11-year NBA veteran Scot Pollard, who won an NBA title with the Boston Celtics in 2008 after spending most of his career with the Sacramento Kings and Indiana Pacers.

“It’s cool that my dad was well known — and I’m grateful for that — but I’ve always felt like I was in his shadow being ‘Scot’s kid,’” said Pollard.

“I’ve wanted to make a name for myself in football and be my own person. That said, I’d be lying if I said he didn’t help shape me growing up, especially with the mentality needed to be great. My dad, my mom and everyone in my family constantly remind me how proud they are of me.”

He drew offers from a multiple of FBS teams before signing with Marian where he could make an instant impact playing in the Mid-States Football Association, the same conference where former Hawai’i pass rusher Jackie Johnson III started his collegiate journey.

Throughout his time with the Knights, Pollard saw most of his snaps come as either a 1-tech (lining outside of the center’s shoulder) or a 3-tech defensive lineman (lining outside of of the guard’s shoulder).

In Pollard’s first two collegiate starts against Lawrence Tech and Defiance College, he was able to record a sack in back-to-back games. The next three games saw Pollard record a pass breakup in each one, culminating with a season-high seven tackles against Taylor. He ended his freshman season in style with a TFL in four of his final five contests.

The ability to terrorize opposing offenses starts with his mindset, Pollard said.

“My mindset is to have a couple of moves in mind before the snap, but at all costs, I want to beat the guy lined up across from me.”

Pollard added that he doesn’t model his game after one-specific player, but does look up to multi-year NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams.

“He has grit,” Pollard said of Donald. “He’s a hard worker and he plays with a high motor.”

Pollard is currently undecided on his major, but he does know that he wants to pursue a career in law enforcement when it’s time to hang up the pads.

Fortunately for Hawai’i football fans, it will be a few years till that time comes.

Six Months In: Matt Elliott on Momentum, Community, and the Future of UH Athletics

Six Months In: Matt Elliott on Momentum, Community, and the Future of UH Athletics

Dec 30, 2025

Six Months In: Matt Elliott on Momentum, Community, and the Future of UH Athletics

HSRN STAFF | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED DECEMBER 30, 2025

Six months into his tenure as University of Hawaiʻi Athletics Director, Matt Elliott joined Wake Up in the Den for a wide-ranging conversation that touched on community, momentum, and the evolving future of UH athletics.

Elliott officially began his appointment on June 30, 2025, and with the calendar turning toward the end of the year, the milestone offered a natural pause for reflection. From the outset, Elliott emphasized that what has stood out most isn’t a single result or decision — it’s the people. He spoke about the passion Hawaiʻi shows for its teams and the kindness he and his family have felt since arriving, describing a community that genuinely wants UH athletics to succeed and believes deeply in its role across the islands.

A Season to Remember

When asked about the highlights of his first six months on the job, Elliott didn’t start with wins or trophies — he started with the fans. He pointed to the passion of the UH community and the consistent support shown across programs, noting how quickly that connection became apparent after his arrival. That foundation, Elliott said, is what allows moments on the field to resonate far beyond the final score.

From there, football naturally followed. Elliott referenced a season bookended by unforgettable finishes — a last-second kick to open the year against Stanford and a bowl victory sealed by a late touchdown pass to beat Cal — both coming at home in front of energized crowds. Those moments, he said, captured the pride, joy, and statewide impact UH football can generate when momentum builds.

The conversation also turned to head coach Timmy Chang, with Elliott addressing continued fan curiosity surrounding Chang’s future. Chang received a one-year contract extension in December 2024 that runs through the 2026 season, and after a 9–4 campaign capped by a 35–31 Hawaiʻi Bowl win over Cal, questions about a longer-term extension have naturally followed. While Elliott reiterated that he does not comment on ongoing personnel matters, he spoke at length about the growth of the program under Chang’s leadership, calling the transformation over the past four seasons “truly remarkable.”

Elliott highlighted a UH-produced video that juxtaposed Chang’s first season with the close of this one — showing the same seniors who once sat on the field during rebuilding years now walking across it celebrated, surrounded by family and lei. He described that moment as one of the most moving sports experiences he’s witnessed, and a powerful testament to the culture, relationships, and belief Chang and his staff have built within the program.

Navigating NIL and a Changing Landscape

A significant portion of the interview centered on NIL and UH’s recent informational briefing with state legislators. Elliott framed NIL not as a threat to academics, but as an evolution that allows student-athletes to better support themselves while continuing to represent the university, the local economy, and the state with pride.

He emphasized transparency in UH’s approach — outlining what it realistically takes to compete in the Mountain West while noting that UH is currently funding NIL through philanthropy and revenue generation. Elliott stressed that the request for state support is about sustainability and planning, not excess, and about positioning UH to remain competitive while continuing to invest in student-athletes.

Access, Exposure, and Rebuilding the Connection

Another recurring theme was access. Elliott acknowledged that pay-per-view once served a financial purpose, but said it also created barriers between UH athletics and the community. Rebuilding that connection, especially without a permanent on-campus stadium, has been a priority.

He spoke about the importance of visibility — children growing up with UH games on in the background, families gathering around broadcasts, and fans being able to easily find games across platforms. Elliott expressed confidence that UH football will not return to a pay-per-view model, with future media partnerships prioritizing exposure and accessibility.

What’s Ahead for 2026 and Beyond

Looking forward, Elliott outlined several initiatives expected to shape UH athletics in the coming year. Among them: issuing a request for proposals for local media rights, beginning the process of evaluating UH’s multimedia rights partnership, and exploring ways to create additional premium seating and fan experiences across UH venues.

Each effort, Elliott explained, is about responsibly growing revenue while enhancing the fan experience — not pricing people out, but offering more options for supporters, partners, and businesses to engage with UH athletics in meaningful ways.

A Message to the UH Community

To close the conversation, Elliott offered a message rooted in gratitude and invitation. He thanked fans for their support throughout the second half of 2025 and encouraged the community to continue showing up — not just for football, but for basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, and the many programs that make UH athletics special.

For Elliott, the joy of UH sports lies in shared experiences: families in the stands, kids running through arenas, and student-athletes inspiring the next generation. Six months in, his vision is clear — strengthen connections, build momentum, and ensure UH athletics remains a source of pride for the university and the state as 2026 approaches.

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Sylvester snags Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week honors

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