The 2025 Hawaii Rainbow Warriors are ready to ride a tidal wave into the new college football season. And now they’re doing it with a schedule packed with grit, grit, and plenty of travel. From a home opener against Pac-12 survivor Stanford to showdowns against fierce Mountain West foes, Hawaii is set for a thrilling campaign under the island sun.
The buzz is already building around a program that’s itching to flip the script after back-to-back rebuilding years. With revamped talent, passionate fans, and island pride on the line, the Rainbow Warriors are aiming to turn their schedule into a statement.
2025 Hawaii Football Schedule
- Aug. 23—vs Stanford
- Aug. 30—at Arizona
- Sept. 6—vs Sam Houston
- Sept. 13—vs Portland State
- Sept. 20—vs Fresno State
- Sept. 27—at Air Force
- Oct. 11—vs Utah State
- Oct. 18—at Colorado State
- Nov. 1—at San José State
- Nov. 8—vs San Diego State
- Nov. 22—at UNLV
- Nov. 29—vs Wyoming
Breaking Down the Slate: What to Expect in 2025
The season kicks off with a bang on Aug. 23, as the Rainbow Warriors welcome Stanford to the islands. It was a rematch of sorts from their last meeting in 2023, when Hawaii fell short. Stanford, navigating a post-Pac-12 life, is rebuilding under Troy Taylor, making it a winnable and statement-making game for Timmy Chang’s crew.
The next week, they’ll hit the desert to face Arizona, a Big 12 team on the rise. It’s a daunting early road trip, but it offers Hawaii a chance to test its depth and discipline.
Returning home in September, Hawaii has three straight games at the Clarence T.C. Ching Complex that could fuel early momentum: Sam Houston (Sept. 6), Portland State (Sept. 13), and Fresno State (Sept. 20). The Sam Houston Bearkats are transitioning fully into the FBS, and Portland State brings FCS firepower, but both are beatable if Hawaii plays clean. However, Fresno State always looms as a Mountain West measuring stick—expect fireworks in that rivalry.
After that, the Rainbow Warriors take off to the altitude of Colorado Springs to face Air Force on Sept. 27. That triple-option attack is always a headache and a major test for Hawaii’s defensive discipline. They get a needed bye week before hosting Utah State on Oct. 11, a game that could have serious mid-season implications in the Mountain West standings.
The back half of the schedule is road-heavy, starting with trips to Colorado State (Oct. 18) and San José State (Nov. 1). Both teams were scrappy in 2024, and any road win would be a major boost. Hawaii returns home on Nov. 8 to square off against San Diego State, another historically tough rival, before finishing the season with UNLV on the road (Nov. 22) and Wyoming at home (Nov. 29).
The finale against Wyoming could decide the program’s bowl eligibility—a critical endcap to what could be a pivotal season.
Who to Watch and What’s at Stake
Head coach Timmy Chang, entering his third year, has been building a roster that reflects both local pride and national potential. With several returning starters, Hawaii hopes to develop continuity, especially on defense, where depth has been an issue in recent years. Quarterback play will be pivotal—whether it’s returnee Brayden Schager or a new face stepping into the pocket.
Chang recently spoke about the momentum they’re hoping to build: “Every week is going to test our toughness and focus. We’ve got games that are winnable and games that’ll push us to the limit. But we’re not backing down from any challenge.”
Expect wide receiver play to be a highlight again. The Rainbow Warriors have often thrived with an aerial attack, and their 2025 class brought in multiple playmakers who could stretch defenses early and often.
KEEP READING: Fresno State 2025 Football Schedule: Full List of Bulldogs’ Opponents, Dates, and Key Matchups
Key matchups include:
- Stanford—Statement opportunity against a Power Five opponent.
- Fresno State—Historic rivalry with major Mountain West weight.
- San Diego State & UNLV—Could define conference positioning late in the year.
- Wyoming—Season finale that might decide bowl eligibility.
If Hawaii can protect home turf and steal a few on the road, a 6-6 or even 7-5 record isn’t out of the question—a massive jump from recent years.
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