In a thrilling conclusion to the Hawaii Bowl, the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors secured a 35-31 victory over California on Wednesday night. Backup quarterback Drew Weaver connected with Nick Cenacle for a 22-yard touchdown pass with just 10 seconds remaining, completing a remarkable comeback.
Weaver stepped in after starter Micah Alejado was knocked out of the game due to a hard hit. With Hawaii trailing and in range for a potential equalizer, head coach Timmy Chang opted to go for the end zone. Cenacle made a key catch between two defenders to clinch the victory.
This win marked Hawaii”s first nine-win season since 2019, a notable achievement for Chang, who had a distinguished career as the team”s quarterback from 2000 to 2004. Alejado had an impressive performance, completing 32 of 46 passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns, helping the team overcome an early 21-0 deficit.
Receiver Pofele Ashlock was a standout performer, recording 14 receptions for 123 yards and two touchdowns. The Rainbow Warriors scored 22 points in the fourth quarter alone, showcasing their resilience. California had taken a brief lead at 31-28 with under two minutes left, thanks to a one-yard touchdown run by freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who threw for 343 yards and a touchdown during the game.
Earlier in the fourth quarter, Alejado had given Hawaii a 28-24 lead with a 17-yard touchdown pass to Brandon White. The team also tied the game earlier in the period after Alejado connected with Ashlock for their second touchdown and successfully converted a two-point attempt to Cam Barfield.
California had jumped to a 21-0 advantage early in the second quarter, highlighted by an eight-yard touchdown run from Anthony League. Despite preseason predictions placing California near the bottom of the Atlantic Coast Conference standings, they finished the season tied for seventh in the ACC.
Following the season, head coach Justin Wilcox was relieved of his duties and will be succeeded by Tosh Lupoi, the defensive coordinator from Oregon. Sagapolutele has indicated his intent to remain with the program through 2026.
As for Hawaii, they have promising elements to build upon as they head into Chang”s fifth season. Despite the transfer announcement from leading receiver Jackson Harris, both Alejado and Ashlock have expressed their desire to return next season.
Looking ahead, California will host UCLA on September 5, 2026, while Hawaii will kick off their season in the Bay Area against Stanford on August 29.
