Hawai’i shakes off slow start for season-opening 35-14 win over Delaware State

Hawai’i shakes off slow start for season-opening 35-14 win over Delaware State

Aug 24, 2024

Quarterback Brayden Schager flexes in the end zone after scoring on a sneak to give Hawai’i a 35-14 lead. Schager threw for two TDs and added two more on the ground in the win. | Photo Credit: Michael Lasquero, HSRN

Hawai’i shakes off slow start for season-opening 35-14 win over Delaware State

BY PAUL BRECHT | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED AUGUST 24, 2024

HONOLULU — At the end of the day, 1-0. 

The University of Hawai’i football team shrugged off a sloppy 1st half Saturday night to open the 2024 season with a 35-14 victory over Delaware State. Senior QB Brayden Schager led the Rainbow Warriors with a four-touchdown day, tossing a pair of scores to Tamatoa Mokiao-Atimalala and Dekel Crowdus while showing off the wheels on another. 

The Hawai’i defense, in the first game under the direction of new defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman, racked up five sacks and 11 tackles for loss as the defensive line helped quiet the Hornets offense over the final 26 minutes of the game. Sophomore linebacker Jamih Otis also enjoyed a dynamic first game, leading UH with 11 tackles and 2.5 TFLs in the win. 

After multiple days of travel woes, the Hornets finally made it to the islands late in the week in time for the Week 0 meeting. Saturday’s game against Delaware State marked the first time Hawai’i faced an FCS program to open a season since 2009 when the Rainbow Warriors beat Central Arkansas, 25-20, and the first time an HBCU has taken on Hawai’i on the gridiron in 45 years. 

Hawai’i got the party started on the team’s second possession, marching 61 yards down the field in four plays. An 11-yard touchdown reception by senior WR Tamatoa Mokiao-Atimalala capped off the 86-second scoring drive, giving the Rainbow Warriors a 7-0 lead with 9:35 left in the opening quarter.  

Tylan Hines continued the fun as the redshirt sophomore returned a punt 44 yards for a touchdown to close out the 1st quarter. The 44-yard score was the first punt return touchdown for Hawai’i since Scott Harding’s 69-yard TD against UNLV back in the 2012 season. 

The Rainbow Warriors celebrate in the end zone after Tylan Hines (2) punt return TD gave Hawai’i a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. | Photo Credit: Michael Lasquero, HSRN

Despite a two-score lead, the Hawai’i offense looked clunky throughout the 2nd quarter as it got shut out by the Hornets’ defense. The spunky Delaware State unit cut the UH lead in half just before the midway break as starting QB Marqui Adams scrambled for a 10-yard score, capping off a quality showing in the opening 30 minutes for the visitors out of the FCS. 

Delaware State made things as interesting as they would be all night as the Hornets marched down the field to open the 3rd quarter, going 75 yards in just under four minutes to tie the game at 14. Graduate running back Jaden Sutton rumbled six yards to find paydirt after a broken coverage left tight end Ryan Lee wide open for a 42-yard gain and set up DSU inside Hawai’i’s 10-yard line. 

Timmy Chang’s Rainbow Warriors finally woke up as the Run-N-Shoot started to jog, seeing Hawai’i answer with a touchdown drive behind the arms and legs of Schager. After connecting with Pofele Ashlock on a 10-yard gain for a first down at the DSU 15, the 6-foot-3 signal caller took off on a QB draw for a 15-yard score to put UH back in front for good. 

Kentucky transfer Dekel Crowdus doubled the lead for Hawai’i just over a minute into the 4th quarter as he and Schager connected on the first “Schager Bomb” of the season for a 29-yard touchdown. The Rainbow Warriors would score one final time with 3:44 left to play as Schager pushed in from a yard out for his first career multi-rushing touchdown game.
Hawai’i sophomore wideout Pofele Ashlock led all receivers with five receptions for 81 yards in the win, followed by Crowdus’ three catches for 49 yards and a score. Landon Sims led the way on the ground for the Rainbow Warriors, totaling 58 yards across 10 carries. 

Brayden Schager finished the night 17-of-34 passing for 203 yards and four total touchdowns. While he didn’t want any excuses for an up-and-down throwing performance, the senior QB mentioned that the conditions were some of the toughest he had faced as Tropical Storm Hone moved towards the islands. 

Delaware State redshirt sophomore QB Marqui Adams completed 17-of-28 passes for 156 yards while adding 44 yards and a touchdown with his legs in the loss. The Hornets were forced to punt 12 times throughout the night, including on five consecutive possessions to close the game. 

Hawai’i returns to the field next Saturday as the Rainbow Warriors host UCLA, looking for the program’s first ever win over the Bruins. 

Delaware State arrives in the islands for Week 0 clash with Hawai’i

Delaware State arrives in the islands for Week 0 clash with Hawai’i

Aug 23, 2024

Players from the University of Hawai’i football program watch along with head coach Timmy Chang during fall camp practice. | Photo Credit: Michael Lasquero, HSRN

Delaware State arrives in the islands for Week 0 clash with Hawai’i

BY PAUL BRECHT | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED AUGUST 23, 2024

HONOLULU – Are you ready for some football? 

Following multiple days of travel issues that included a “bus snafu” and delayed flights after re-booking, the Delaware State Hornets out of the FCS have arrived in the islands in time for the Week 0 season-opening contest against the Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors.

Saturday night at 6 p.m. HT will mark the first time since 2009 that UH will open a football season against an opponent from the FCS (Central Arkansas). DSU is also the first HBCU opponent to face Hawai’i in 45 years. The game can be found on Spectrum Sports PPV for Hawai’i residents or the Team1Sports app for viewers on the continent. 

Entering the 2nd year under veteran MEAC coach Lee Hull, Delaware State is looking to build a baseline for the program after years in limbo. The Hornets struggled in Hull’s first season, going 1-10 with the lone win coming against Division II’s Virginia University of Lynchburg. 

DSU struggled in all three phases of the game in 2023, allowing opponents to score nearly 38 points per contest while mustering only 18 points per game themselves. Kicking was a major question mark for the Hornets, connecting on 8-of-16 field goal attempts between two different kickers. 

Part of the struggle for the Hornets’ defense was an inability to produce turnovers and pressure the quarterback. Over the course of 11 games for DSU in 2023, the defense turned opponents over seven total times (3 interceptions, 4 fumble recoveries) while tallying 14 sacks between seven players. 

While the passing game brought answers for opponents, the running game might have been even more fruitful for teams facing Delaware State last season. The Hornets allowed an average of 245.9 yards per game on the ground in 2023, seeing opponents hit triple-digit rushing totals in nine of DSU’s 11 games. 

While 2023 was a struggle for the Hornets, a returning core of players on both sides of the ball for DSU pose some challenges for the hosting Rainbow Warriors. DSU redshirt sophomore QB Marqui Adams enjoyed himself a successful first full season as the starter for the Hornets, proving himself to be a dual threat to opponents as he totaled 1,730 yards of offense (1,452 passing yards, 278 net rushing yards) and 10 total TDs on his way to FCS Central Freshman All-American honors. 

He will not be alone on the offense for the Hornets on Saturday, either. Delaware State running back Marquis Gillis returned for his redshirt junior season with the Hornets after posting 732 yards on 5.1 yards per carry with five touchdowns on the ground in 2023. Look for DSU to lean on the run game often after running on more than 50% of their snaps last season. 

While the ground game is the comfort zone for Delaware State, the passing game provides a look at preseason all-MEAC 2nd-team selection TE Edward (EJ) Core. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound senior from Maryland broke out in a big way last season for the Hornets, totaling career highs across the board with 28 receptions for 424 yards and three TD receptions. 

Defensively, the Hornets returned a pair of standout defensive linemen that both received preseason all-MEAC honors for a program selected to finish last among six teams. Senior defensive tackle Darren Cook could legitimately make an NFL case with his size at 6-foot-3, 315 pounds and returned for his final season with the program after enjoying a junior year that saw him tally team-highs in sacks (5.0) and TFLs (10.5) while forcing a fumble for good measure. 

On the line with him is fifth-year defensive lineman Eric Montes, a 6-foot-1, 260-pound pass rusher who flashed his skills last year with 4.5 sacks and 6.5 TFLs. His totals trailed only Cook among Hornets defenders, giving Coach Hull and his staff two building blocks to work with heading into Year 2 of the rebuilding process. 

Despite some returning talent for Delaware State, Saturday still massively favors Hawai’i. In the last 13 games against FBS opponents, DSU has mustered an average of 6.8 points while allowing 54.0 points, going 0-13 over that span. The only victory in program history for the Hornets against an FBS program came back in 1987 against Akron. 

UH has taken care of business against FCS programs in the 21st century, winning 20 consecutive contests against the Division I subdivision dating back to 2001 with an average margin of victory of 25.9 points.  

Hawai’i returned more talent and production than almost any other Division I football program in the country after last season, allowing the coaching staff (after a few tweaks) to continue the development of a program looking to return to heights not seen in more than half-a-decade. 

For the Rainbow Warriors, it will be a legitimate chance to begin the season with a victory for the first time under third-year coach Timmy Chang. After getting blown out in Honolulu two years ago against Vanderbilt and then narrowly falling on the road to the Commodores last season, Hawai’i enters Saturday as big-time favorites for a Week 0 win.  

UH senior QB Brayden Schager should get a chance to put up big numbers against a weaker pass defense from DSU while players in new positions get an opportunity to get game reps against another team before UCLA comes to Honolulu next week. 

The biggest questions for Hawai’i to answer on Saturday will include the new-look offensive line, how the defense has acclimated to new defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman’s scheme and the kicking competition’s results after Kai Kluth and Kansei Matsuzawa competed to replace longtime starter Matthew Shipley, who transferred to Arkansas in the offseason.  

In all, expect Hawai’i to take care of business against a Delaware State program that will likely be fighting jet lag still come Saturday after traveling nearly 5,000 miles one way. The question probably isn’t whether UH wins, but if the Rainbow Warriors can cover a spread that has reached as many as 40 points in favor of the home team in some places. 

Game Day Theme: “We’re Hawai’i” 

In an effort to recognize the uniqueness of the Rainbow Warrior fanbase and what makes Hawai’i special, Saturday’s Hawai’i football home opener theme for fans in attendance is “We’re Hawai’i”.

Hawaiian Airlines will be handing out 4,000 roster cards and 3,000 UH hand fans inside of Gate 2 while the UH marketing department will provide 2,000 collectable Hawai’i schedule posters to fans entering Gate 2, Gate 3 and Gate 8. 

In-game promotions will include recognition of current and former UH student-athletes that participated in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and of the 1994 Rainbow Wahine soccer team in honor of their 30-year anniversary. 

5 players to watch for in Hawai’i season opener against Delaware State

5 players to watch for in Hawai’i season opener against Delaware State

Aug 21, 2024

LB Logan Taylor (left) and QB Brayden Schager (right) are among the players to watch for Hawai’i in the Rainbow Warriors’ season opener against Delaware State. | Photo Credit: Michael Lasquero, HSRN

5 players to watch for in Hawai’i’s season opener against Delaware State

BY PAUL BRECHT | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED AUGUST 21, 2024

HONOLULU – The wait is (almost) over. 

After a long offseason waiting for the Rainbow Warriors to return to the gridiron, Hawai’i will take the field this Saturday against FCS program Delaware State in one of four total Week 0 matchups across college football. Timmy Chang enters year three as the head man in charge of his alma mater with eyes on another step forward after adding some veteran voices to the coaching staff. 

As Hawai’i prepares for the kickoff to the 2024 season against Delaware State, here are five players to watch in the Rainbow Warriors’ Week 0 matchup. 

QB Brayden Schager 

Entering his second consecutive season as the full-time, Day 1 starter for Hawai’i at the QB spot, Schager was named to multiple award watchlists throughout the preseason, including for the Maxwell Award which is given to the best college football player in the United States. The signal caller from Dallas, Texas led the entire Mountain West Conference in total passing yards and touchdowns while guiding the conference’s number two offense (277.7 YPG) in 2023. 

The senior should have a chance to put up some video game numbers on Saturday night against the Hornets. Delaware State struggled to pressure the quarterback last season, totaling 14 sacks across 11 games, and didn’t turn the other team over much (3 INT, 4 fumbles recovered) during a 1-10 season. 

In a game that has Hawai’i favored by nearly 40 points, seen travel issues for a rebuilding Delaware State program traveling over 4,000 miles and returning continuity for an already potent UH offense, look for the gunslinger to uncork a few of his patented “Schager Bombs” in a potential lopsided win for the home team. 

OL Kuao Peihopa 

One of the more intriguing storylines from the Rainbow Warriors’ fall training camp, Peihopa made the switch from one side of the ball to the other during offseason as the interior defensive lineman became an offensive line weapon for Chang to use. While he has seen time on the interior throughout camp, the junior was slated as one of the starting tackles for Hawai’i’s offense in the team’s initial Week 0 depth chart. 

One of three defensive players to start all 13 contests in 2023 for the University of Hawai’i, Peihopa brings a nasty streak to the offensive line. That is a good thing after the Rainbow Warriors had one of the worst rushing attacks in college football in 2023 and entered 2024 with questions in the trenches. 

Peihopa hopes to provide an answer to some of those questions in his first year on the offensive side of the ball since high school. With an FCS opponent that gave up 245 YPG on the ground and struggled rushing the passer awaiting on Saturday, the junior has a chance to show what he can do with the front five quickly. 

WR/KR Tylan Hines 

Speaking of position changes, the dynamic redshirt sophomore made the switch from running back to wide receiver in the offseason for Hawai’i. After injuries forced the 5-foot-6 speedster to redshirt last year following a promising freshman season, Hines is looking to return to the form that had Chang calling him a “dark horse” for the conference offensive player of the year award in ‘23.

His switch to wide receiver isn’t the only change that Hines will bring to the Rainbow Warriors in 2024. The wideout has been fielding kicks – both in the kickoff and punt game – during practices for Hawai’i, adding a weapon for special teams coordinator Thomas Sheffield to use. 

Hawai’i cycled through multiple returners and failed to get many dynamic returns last season as DB Cam Stone led the Rainbow Warriors with 345 return yards between 17 total chances (16 kick returns, 1 punt return). With Hines back in the fold and healthy, look out for the former all-Mountain West selection to break out a few returns that will get fans out of their seats. 

LB Logan Taylor 

The spiritual leader of the Hawai’i defense, Tayor missed the majority of last year after suffering a season-ending knee injury in the third game of the season. Back healthy, the senior linebacker’s voice could be heard cutting through the rest during fall camp while his smile could be seen from neighbor islands. 

The addition to the spine of the Rainbow Warrior defense is a welcome one: Taylor led UH in the ‘22 season with 85 tackles (49 solo) despite being a starter in only six games of the 13 total he appeared in. He racked up 21 tackles (18 solo) in his first three games last year before the injury. 

The heat-seeking backer can make an impact early and often against a Delaware State squad that likes to run the ball. With UCLA coming to Honolulu in the following week, the Hornets provide an excellent test run for the veteran to get back up to full speed as a team in the second year of program building.  

DT Ezra Evaimalo

One of last year’s leaders on the Hawai’i defensive line, Evaimalo has received rave reviews from the coaching staff throughout camp. The senior out of KS-Kapālama led UH with 3.5 sacks last season and looks to build on that total with added reinforcements to the line and Dennis Thurman’s defense aiding the charge. 

“That kid has a punch that reminds me of certain guys that I was able to play with back in the day,” UH associate head coach Chris Brown said of Evaimalo. “He has a motor, he has the drive, he’s put on about 10 pounds of muscle, he looks fantastic, he’s stepping up as a leader … being an ex-linebacker, you want to play in back of a guy like that.” 

Slightly undersized compared to other defensive tackles at 6-foot-2 and 260 pounds, the senior makes up for it with strength and technique. Evaimalo finished the 2023 season as the Mountain West’s 2nd-best graded interior defensive lineman according to Pro Football Focus with an 80.7 grade. Look for him to continue his steady rise to stardom with a Week 0 opponent that allowed 31 sacks and 82 tackles for loss last year. 

Kema, Hawai’i preparing for life before and after the final whistle blows

Kema, Hawai’i preparing for life before and after the final whistle blows

Aug 13, 2024

Hawai’i senior LB Noah Kema participates in a practice drill. | Photo Credit: Michael Lasquero, HSRN

Kema, Hawai’i preparing for life before and after the final whistle blows

BY PAUL BRECHT | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED AUGUST 13, 2024

HONOLULU – When he arrived from Snow College in Utah to the beaches of Hawai’i three years ago, Noah Kema was a highly-regarded JUCO transfer linebacker with years of eligibility to use and grow. 

A 3-star transfer and rated as the 4th-best available junior college linebacker in the portal by 247Sports, Kema took the jump from the continent to the islands with a first-year head coach in Timmy Chang taking over a program in turmoil. With uncertainty with players and direction, the addition of a proven winner from the junior college level would help the maturation and development of the culture going forward through his habits. 

In return, Kema would enter a program that promised development not only on the field but also off it. From the first year that Chang took over as head coach, the Hawai’i football program has put an emphasis on developing connections for life after players have to hang up the cleats. 

“It’s amazing,” said Kema. “Coach Chang, [associate head coach Chris Brown], the entire coaching staff is huge on professional development. They’re invested in life after football and not only do they love us during our 4-5 years here, but they love us in the future and they’re preparing us professionally.” 

While every football player’s dream is to take snaps in the NFL, the numbers prove that the likelihood of getting those chances are incredibly slim. Without forcing players to give up on dreams of playing the game at the highest level, UH has taken an extra step to ensure that players have a plan for the future when football eventually ends. 

“For those of us that might not get a shot at the NFL – obviously the odds and percentages are low,” the senior linebacker explained. “Coach Chang, first thing when he got [to UH] was he got with the lawmakers and politicians and the business owners here and put together Braddahhood Grindz with Ryan Tanaka.” 

In partnership with the Hawaii Restaurant Association (HRA), UH athletes get fed meals as part of a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal. As the partnership grew to working with over 250 athletes at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, the professional development program was added as a way for athletes to get connected and learn in future professional environments effectively. 

“I’ve been a part of [the Braddahhood Grindz] program for three years and this third year, I took part in the professional development where they connect us with CEOs, like I said, politicians, other business leaders,” Kema shared. “I’m with Hawaii Pacific Health, [HPH Director of Marketing and Communications] Claire Tong, and I’m in their marketing department so I’ve been able to shadow her.” 

With an emphasis in providing hands-on experiences, Kema has been able to work on campaigns, commercial-making and content creation in his time with Hawaii Pacific Health. The charismatic linebacker is just one of 10+ football players at the University of Hawai’i to partake in a local summer internship and found himself having plenty of fun while preparing for professional life. 

On the field, Kema is part of an energized “Lion’s Den” linebacker core that returns five members with starting experience. Under the direction of new defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman, the entire defense is looking forward to bringing consistency day-in and day-out for the Rainbow Warriors.  

Noah Kema lines up for a snap during Hawai’i football practice. | Photo Credit: Michael Lasquero, HSRN

Even when the final whistle blows this season for Hawai’i, Kema knows that his choice in coming to the islands will have been a worthwhile one. While living out his football dreams in paradise, he has also become ready for life’s next challenge, whatever it may be. 

“For me, I love it. I love being an athlete, doing what I do on the field,” Kema smiled. “But I love even more that I’m getting prepared for life after football because I know that’s a real thing.” 

Third Sistahhood Social provides fun, flair in throwback “Ladies of the 80s” night

Third Sistahhood Social provides fun, flair in throwback “Ladies of the 80s” night

Aug 11, 2024

A group of ladies run out on the field during the Sistahhood Social with University of Hawai’i linebacker Noah Kema (18) beside them. | Michael Lasquero

Third Sistahhood Social provides fun, flair in throwback “Ladies of the 80s” night

BY PAUL BRECHT | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED AUGUST 11, 2024

HONOLULU – We are family. 

All the Braddahs, Sistahs and me. 

For the third straight year, Hawai’i football and the Sistahhood committee joined together for Hawai’i’s premiere football event for women of all ages on Saturday – Sistahhood Social 3: Ladies of the 80s – as over 200 football-loving “Sistahs” from different generations joined together for a night of food, fun and football with the Rainbow Warriors coaches and players.

The third iteration of the event, it was bigger and better than ever as attendees were split into two groups upon arrival and invited for a pair of experiences to mimic being a member of the Hawai’i football program. One group began with a revised, faster-paced chalk-talk session that was led by energetic defensive tackles coach Jeff Reinebold and head coach Timmy Chang while the other group experienced the “Game Day” routine for the Rainbow Warriors with a walkthrough of the locker room by associate head coach Chris Brown. 

After switching to get both experiences, both groups returned to the field at T.C. Ching Athletic Complex for shopping, food and beverages while a silent auction that had thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes continued accepting bids.  

Some of the food provided to attendees included sliders from Honolulu Burger Company, tacos from The Feisty Popo Salsa Company along with Sodexo catering that had Jersey Mike’s-provided small sandwiches for attendees. 

For those looking for drinks, Summer Club was stationed right next to all the food options while a bar with sodas and select alcoholic beverages was across from the Summer Club tent. 

For those looking to spend some money, Ports & Paws gave animal-lovers chances to get University of Hawai’i-themed harnesses, collars, bandanas and more for little fur-friends. A wine pull that had dozens of different wines, small pop-up Everyday Better shop and a giving tree for UH player nutrition were also spread throughout the strip of booths. 

After time to shop, share stories and sip on drinks, the ladies were encouraged to participate in various stations put on by the team that tested attendees in various skills such as throwing accuracy, rushing the quarterback and everyone’s favorite: field goal kicking. 

Claire Tong, the Director of Marketing and Communications for Hawaii Pacific Health, was also presented with a custom Hawai’i football jersey for her contributions to the program along with the support that HPH provides to the Rainbow Warriors. 

Along with a shirt, each person that attended the event was given a swag bag to take home that also doubles as a clear bag tote that fans can bring into University of Hawai’i athletic events. 

In the two “Sistahhood Socials” held already, over $150,000 was raised in support of the nutrition program for Hawai’i football. As part of the Braddahhood and Sistahhood Grindz program, each player for the Rainbow Warriors is provided with meals and shakes throughout the season to help promote and push proper nutrition for the athletes to be able to perform at their highest levels. 

“We just want to thank you guys from the bottom of our hearts for coming out to support us at our third annual Sistahhood Social,” UH head coach Timmy Chang said addressing the crowd in attendance on Saturday. “It’s amazing, where this program is and where it’s heading, it’s all because of you and your love and support and care of our boys and this football program.” 

Delaware State arrives in the islands for Week 0 clash with Hawai’i

Hawai’i Football Pronunciation Guide & Preseason Notes

Jul 24, 2024

Fall Camp Day 1 Photo Credit: Michael Lasquero, HSRN

HAWAII FOOTBALL PRESEASON NOTES & PRONUNCIATION GUIDE

BY HSRN STAFF | JULY 24, 2024

PRESEASON NOTES VIA HAWAI’I ATHLETICS

  • Head coach Timmy Chang begins his third season at his alma mater, where he has compiled an 8-18 career mark and 5-11 in Mountain West play.
  • UH will play a 12-game schedule for the first time since 2017 (not counting 2020 COVID season).
Five opponents played in bowl games last season and the Warriors will play the Mountain West’s last three champions – Boise State (2023), Fresno State (2022), and Utah State (2021).
  • UH will make five appearances on national television, including its ninth all-time appearance on a network station for the Aug. 31 home game against UCLA on CBS. It marks the program’s first appearance on network television since 2012 (at USC on FOX) and first home game on network television since 2005 (vs. Fresno State on ABC).
  • Three other games will be picked up by CBS Sports Network as part of the Mountain West’s television package – Oct. 5 at San Diego State (2:00 p.m. HT), Oct. 12 vs. Boise State (5:00 p.m. HT), and Nov. 9 vs. UNLV (4:00 p.m. HT) – while UH’s road game at Washington State, Oct. 19, will be broadcast on The CW, marking UH’s first-ever appearance on that network.
  • After playing all four of its rivalry trophy games in 2023 for the first time in program history, UH will play only one in 2024 – UNLV for the Island Showdown Trophy. The teams will meet Nov. 9 in Honolulu in a nationally televised game on CBS Sports Network.
  • UH will open the season against an FCS opponent (Delaware State) for the first time since 2009. Along with Delaware State, Northern lowa is also on the schedule, marking the first time UH will play two FCS opponents in the same season since 2007. UH has won its last 19 games against FCS opponents dating back to 2001.
  • The coaching staff includes five new members – DC/CB coach Dennis Thurman, QB coach Dan Morrison, OL coach Derek Faavi, DT coach Jeff Reinebold, and SAF coach Nick Locher.
Thurman, Morrison, and Reinebold have a combined 119 years of coaching experience.
  • The 2024 season marks the fourth season that Hawaii will play its home games at the Clarence
T.C. Ching Complex. UH has an 11-9 all-time record at Ching Complex.

PRONUNCIATION GUIDE

 

Name Pronunciation
Micah Alejado ah-lee-HA-doh
Pofele Ashlock po-fey-lay
Carlito Capanang Jr. ka-puh-nang
Alika Cavaco-Amoy ah-LEE-kah • ka-vah-ko ah-moy (rhymes w/boy)
Nick Cenacle sen-uh-cull
Dekel Crowdus da-KEL CROWD-us
Kamalu DeBlake kah-mah-loo
Ka’ena Decambra ka-eh-nah
Ha’aheo Dela Cruz ha-ah-hey-oh
Nick Delgadillo del-gah-dee-yo
Nalu Emerson NAH-loo
Ezra Evaimalo eh-vie-mah-low
Luke Felix-Fualalo foo-ah-la-low
Josiah Fetui feh-TOO-ee
Junior Fiaui fee-ow-ee
Malachi Finau fee-now
Deliyon Freeman del-e-yawn
Jarvis Heimuli hey-moo-lee
Patrick Hisatake hee-sah-tah-kay
Kimo Holo Holt-Mossman key-mo
Wynden Ho’ohuli ho-oh-HOO-lee
Tariq Jones tah-REEK
Judah Kaio ka-ee-oh
Blaze Kamoku kah-MO-koo
Micah Kaonohi-Kaihenui cow-ah-no-he • kye-hay-new-e
Kolo Kaululaau koh-low • kah-ooh-loo-lah-ow
Tryton Keli’ikipi kay-lee ee-kee-pee
Noa Keohuloa keh-oh-hoo-low-ah
Noah Kema keh-mah
Kai Kluth klooth
Lesterlaisene Lagafuaina lester-lie-seh-neh • long-ah-foo-ee-nah
Tevita Loketi tah-VEE-tah • low-KEH-tee
Kayde Mahuka mah-who-kah
Peter Manuma mah-new-mah
Lautaimi Manuma lau-tah-ee-me • mah-new-mah
Micah Mariteragi mah-<r>ee-teh-<r>ong-ee
Kansei Matsuzawa con-say • maht-soo-ZAH-wah
Isaac Maugaleoo mon-gah-lay-oh-oh
Kilinahe Mendiola Jensen key-lee-nah-hey
Makana Meyer mah-kuh nah
Sitani Mikaele see-tah-nee • me-kah-eh-lay
James Milovale me-lo-VAH-lay
Tamatoa Mokiao-Atimalala ta-mah-TOE-ah • mo-kee-OW • ah-tee-mah-la-la
Sergio Muasau moo-uh-sow (like cow)
Tu’i Muti too ee • MOO tee
Koali Nishigaya ko-AH-lee • nee-she GAH-yah
Jamih Otis juh-my
Jonah Panoke pa-NO-kay
Meki Pei meh-key • pay
Kuao Peihopa koo-OW • pay-ho-pah
Vaifanua Peko vie-fa-new-ah • peh-ko
Zoram Petelo zo-rum • pay-tell-oh
Alvin Puefua poo-eh-foo-ah
Karsyn Pupunu poo-POO-new
Anthony Sagapolutele saw-ga-po-loo-teh-lee
John-Keawe Sagapolutele kay-ah-vay • saw-ga-po-loo-teh-lee
Josh Sagapolutele saw-ga-po-loo-teh-lee
Oakie Salave a sah-lah-VAY-ah
Brayden Schager SHAY-ger
Zhen Sotelo SO-TEH-lOW
Maurice Ta ala ta-AH-la
Tasi Tadio tah-see • tah-dee-oh
Devon Tauaefa tao-uh-ef-uh
Jay Tauala-Harris tao-ah-lah
Matagi Thompson muh-TONG-ee
Tama Uiliata ta-mah • who-lee-ah-tah
Tristan Walamau-Galindo why-ah-mao guh-lin-doh
Riis Weber reece
Noah Wily why-lee