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.

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“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.

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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.

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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?

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Timmy Chang Embraces Higher Expectations as Hawaiʻi Turns the Page Toward 2026

Timmy Chang Embraces Higher Expectations as Hawaiʻi Turns the Page Toward 2026

Jul 17, 2026

Timmy Chang Embraces Higher Expectations as Hawaiʻi Turns the Page Toward 2026

LAS VEGAS — University of Hawaiʻi football head coach Timmy Chang joined Hawaiʻi Sports Radio Network at Mountain West Media Days at the Palms in Las Vegas, reflecting on the Rainbow Warriors’ breakthrough 2025 season while making it clear that last year’s success cannot carry the program through the upcoming campaign.

Hawaiʻi enters 2026 with considerably different expectations following a nine-win season that ended with a memorable comeback victory over California in the Sheraton Hawaiʻi Bowl.

Chang remains proud of what the 2025 team accomplished, particularly after the program endured several close losses during a 5-7 campaign the year before. He believes those setbacks helped the Rainbow Warriors understand the importance of discipline, execution and attention to detail.

LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW

That growth was evident from the opening game against Stanford, when Hawaiʻi overcame a difficult start, and again in the bowl game, when the Rainbow Warriors rallied from an early 21-0 deficit to defeat Cal.

“That’s our ’25 team in a nutshell,” Chang said. “From all that building to where it was last year, and now we’re coming into this year, we lean on all that experience.”

Still, Chang said the program officially turned the page in January.

While the lessons and confidence gained from last season remain valuable, Hawaiʻi must establish a new identity with a different group. Chang said the offseason has centered on rebuilding the team’s culture, reinforcing its standards and creating accountability throughout the locker room.

Managing Greater Expectations

Chang’s tenure at his alma mater has followed a steady progression—from rebuilding the program, to becoming competitive, to reaching and winning a bowl game.

The next challenge is handling the heightened expectations that follow success.

Rather than focusing on championship projections or the long-term possibilities surrounding the program, Chang said Hawaiʻi’s approach remains centered on its daily preparation.

“It’s about our choices. It’s about what we do every day,” Chang said. “If we can do things right every single day leading up to these games, we at least give ourselves a chance.”

That mentality will be tested immediately.

Hawaiʻi begins the season on the road against Stanford before returning home to face UNLV in its Mountain West opener. Chang described both as “go get them games,” with the conference matchup potentially carrying significant implications later in the season.

Chang noted that last season’s matchup with UNLV was viewed as one that could determine who sat in the driver’s seat for a spot in the Mountain West Championship. The Rebels capitalized with a 38-10 victory before advancing to the title game, making this year’s early conference meeting another potentially pivotal contest.

“We’ve got to get off to a fast start,” Chang said.

Alejado’s Toughness and Growth

Much of the preseason attention surrounding Hawaiʻi has centered on quarterback Micah Alejado, who was selected as the Mountain West Preseason Offensive Player of the Year and earned a spot on the Preseason All-Conference Team.

Chang said Alejado’s recognition reflects not only his production, but also the toughness he displayed while playing through an injury for much of last season.

Alejado suffered a leg injury in the season opener and later missed two games. Chang pointed to the quarterback’s response following a difficult performance against Fresno State as one of the defining moments of his season.

Alejado placed much of the responsibility on himself, even though Chang reminded him that football is the ultimate team game. From that point forward, however, the quarterback elevated his play and helped lead Hawaiʻi through the strongest portion of its season.

“Unbelievable, gutty performance by him,” Chang said.

Chang was also quick to credit the players surrounding Alejado, describing the preseason recognition as a team accomplishment because of the contributions required for any quarterback to succeed.

“Micah can’t do it by himself,” Chang said. “It’s a team award.”

A Culture Built Beyond NIL

Alejado was joined at Mountain West Media Days by Cam Barfield, Jamih Otis and Elijah Palmer.

During their conversations with HSRN, all four players emphasized that while name, image and likeness opportunities are part of modern college football, their primary motivation remains playing the game and representing the University of Hawaiʻi.

Chang said those responses reflect the type of culture Hawaiʻi’s coaching staff has worked to establish.

The program’s standards are built around discipline, detail and accountability, but Chang said the relationships developed between coaches and players are equally important. He credited his assistants and support staff for investing in the athletes both on and off the field.

Chang also emphasized that Hawaiʻi’s culture extends beyond him or any individual coach. He credited athletic director Matt Elliott, the UH administration, the community, fans and local media for helping players feel connected to the state they represent.

“Our kids love when they play for the state,” Chang said. “They love that you guys are passionate. You guys care about them and you want to see them do well.”

Chang described that shared investment as an important part of the program’s “Braddahhood” and family culture.

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RB Cam Barfield ready to do more for Hawaii Football in 2026

RB Cam Barfield ready to do more for Hawaii Football in 2026

Jul 16, 2026

RB Cam Barfield ready to do more for Hawaii Football in 2026

Hawaii RB Cam Barfield celebrates after scoring his first-ever touchdown for the Rainbow Warriors. | Photo credit: Rayden Aoki

Cam Barfield waited patiently for his opportunity.

After two quiet seasons at Boston College, the former Bishop Gorman standout transferred to the University of Hawaiʻi hoping for a fresh start. His first season with the Rainbow Warriors hinted at his potential before a breakout season in 2025.

The 5-foot-7, 190-pound senior played in all 13 games last year, emerging as one of the Mountain West’s most versatile offensive weapons with 944 all-purpose yards. Barfield rushed for 371 yards on 80 carries while averaging 4.6 yards per attempt, caught 27 passes for 257 yards and three touchdowns while earning second-team All-Mountain West honors as a kick returner after averaging 28.7 yards per return.

Entering his final year of eligibility, Barfield is ready to do more for the program that gave him a chance.

“I said to myself, ‘Okay, that was a good year. How do I improve? How do I make myself better for this team? How do I do everything that I can to make it possible for us to win or make it possible for us to make a large run?'” Barfield told Hawaiʻi Sports Radio Network during Mountain West Football Media Days.

For a Rainbow Warriors team coming off a breakthrough 9-4 season and a victory in the Sheraton Hawaiʻi Bowl, Barfield believes the next step is bringing home the Mountain West championship.

“We were so close last year,” Barfield said. “How do I make that stretch for this team? What do I have to do to make that happen? That’s what I’ve really been focusing on.”

As a junior, Barfield consistently delivered in the biggest moments.

He scored eight total touchdowns — four rushing, three receiving and one on a kickoff return — with five of those touchdowns covering at least 20 yards.

When Barfield reached the end zone, Hawaiʻi usually won. The Rainbow Warriors posted a 6-1 record in games in which he scored.

Hawaii RB Cam Barfield leaps for the pylon to score his first touchdown against Portland State. | Photo credit: Rayden Aoki

His coming out party came early in the season against Portland State, catching four passes for 50 yards and two touchdowns in a 23-3 victory.

A few weeks later against Air Force, Barfield turned a short pass into a 59-yard gain on the opening possession to set up the game’s first score. He later broke loose for a 27-yard touchdown run on the first play of the fourth quarter that helped seal a 44-35 road victory.

Perhaps his signature moment came against Colorado State.

Facing fourth down on the road, Barfield burst through the line for a 35-yard touchdown, powering through a defender on his way to the end zone. The score helped lift Hawaiʻi to a 6-2 record while clinching the program’s first bowl berth under head coach Timmy Chang.

His versatility surfaced again against San Diego State when he opened the second half with an 86-yard kickoff return touchdown in a 38-6 victory, the Rainbow Warriors’ first win over the Aztecs during Chang’s tenure.

He finished the regular season by recording career highs with 15 carries and 77 rushing yards while scoring both a rushing and receiving touchdown in a 27-7 win over Wyoming.

Hawaii RB Cam Barfield scored on a receiving and rushing touchdown in the Rainbow Warriors’ 2025 regular season finale against Wyoming. | Photo: Rayden Aoki

Even in the Sheraton Hawaiʻi Bowl, Barfield made his presence felt.

Trailing California by 21 points, Hawaiʻi mounted one of the program’s most memorable postseason comebacks. Barfield caught the game-tying two-point conversion early in the fourth quarter before the Rainbow Warriors completed a 35-31 victory to cap their nine-win season.

Despite the production, Barfield believes he has only scratched the surface.

“We’ve had talks and they’re expecting more,” Barfield said of Hawaiʻi’s coaching staff. “I showed quick flashes of it last year, and with me being one of the only returning backs really, it’s just, ‘How do we get you more? How do we get you more and how do you make these plays?’ They’re expecting more, and I’m going to do that for them.”

Quarterback Micah Alejado expects Barfield to answer that challenge.

The two have known each other for years after starring together at national powerhouse Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas. Alejado, the reigning Mountain West Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, has witnessed Barfield’s growth firsthand.

Hawaii QB Micah Alejado hands the ball off to RB Cam Barfield in a 2025 Mountain West game against Utah State. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

“He’s a guy that you rely on. Big-play guy,” Alejado said. “That’s the type of guy he is. Mentally, he doesn’t get rattled, but when it’s time to go play some ball, he’s one of the ones that is going to go play some ball and go win us some football games.”

As valuable as Barfield has become with the football, teammates believe his greatest impact this season may come without it.

With former starting running back Landon Sims graduating, Barfield has inherited leadership responsibilities within one of the team’s youngest position groups.

He credits Sims for preparing him for the role.

“He was such a great leader,” Barfield said. “He taught me things that I don’t even think I would have been able to be taught. Just taking everything that he’s taught me and figuring out how to instill that into the guys now.”

That room now includes Kansas State transfer Devon Rice, another Bishop Gorman graduate, redshirt sophomore Sitani Mikaele of Farrington High School and true freshman TJ Fo’ilefutu.

Barfield already sees pieces of each player’s potential.

“We do have a couple of dudes,” Barfield said.

Of Rice, he said, “I played high school with Devon Rice. He was younger than me, so just having that chemistry with him and (me) trying to be that role that Landon was for me.”

On Mikaele, Barfield added, “He’s grown so much over these years. I can’t wait to watch him go out there and spin it.”

Fo’ilefutu, meanwhile, brings a different style.

“TJ’s a dog,” Barfield said with a smile. “He’s big. He’s going to run somebody over. He’s going to break those tackles.”

Alejado believes Barfield’s willingness to mentor younger teammates has become just as important as his production on Saturdays.

“He’s a humongous piece of our offense,” Alejado said. “Especially him being one of the older guys, taking that leadership role for him this year was humongous. He’s a guy that knows the program well, knows the culture well, and he helps younger kids get acclimated to it.”

Hawaii RB Cam Barfield returns the second-half kickoff for a score against San Diego State on a rainy November 2025 night. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

Hawai’i fans can expect to also see more from Barfield in the return game in 2026.

Although Barfield averaged nearly 29 yards per kickoff return last season and led all Mountain West returners during conference play at 34 yards per return, Hawaiʻi often took a conservative approach early in the year after a costly special teams mistake in the season opener against Stanford by a player no longer on the team.

Barfield spent much of last fall lobbying Chang and special teams coordinator Thomas Sheffield to let him attack more kickoffs.

“Last year we were a lot more conservative,” Barfield said. “Closer to the end of the season, I started going to Coach Chang every day saying, ‘Please let me rock, coach.’ I’d go to Coach Sheffield too. They kept telling me, ‘We’re going to let you.'”

When the opportunities finally came, Barfield capitalized.

“I was able to make something happen,” he said. “With the few opportunities that I got, I became one of the best returners in the country. They’re going to let me rock a lot more this season.”

Among the four kick returners recognized on the 2025 All-Mountain West team, Barfield is the only one returning to the conference this season. Despite that, he was omitted from the league’s preseason all-conference team, where newcomer Jackson Williams of North Dakota State earned preseason recognition.

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