With training camp in the books, the University of Hawai‘i football team returned to practice Tuesday to kick off game week for the 2025 season opener.
The Rainbow Warriors, led by fourth-year head coach Timmy Chang, open Saturday afternoon against Stanford at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex.
The nationally televised matchup on CBS marks the first time in program history that Hawai‘i will face an active member of the Atlantic Coast Conference.
The Warriors will lean on a veteran defense anchored by junior linebacker Jamih Otis, while the offense turns to redshirt freshman quarterback Micah Alejado.
“I think it’s just controlling your emotions and falling back on your preparation,” Alejado said. “All your confidence comes from the preparation you put in. We’ve put in a lot of work since January. I don’t think the moment will be too big for us because we’ve prepared for this for a long time. It’s just about keeping your cool, staying rooted and taking it play by play.”
Chang said the staff is focused on sharpening the details while keeping the team loose entering game week.
“There’s definitely a different feel of excitement and tone that comes with it,” Chang said. “It’s like the first day of training camp, but this is about tightening everything up and making sure the details are where they need to be so we can go out there and succeed.”
Otis said the summer’s preparation has brought the team closer together.
“A lot of new guys came in, but it’s all come full circle,” Otis said. “I think spiritually, we’ve grown in these past few months. Just seeing how the chemistry is building between the returners and the newcomers, offense and defense, on and off the field, the development of this team has been super powerful.”
Saturday’s game has been designated a “white-out,” and fans are encouraged to wear white to match the team.
Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. at Ching.
A limited number of tickets remain available. For a link to purchase tickets, click here.
Hawai‘i enters the opener as a two-point favorite.