California and Hawaii will close out Christmas Eve bowl action when they meet in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu. The matchup features the Golden Bears traveling across the Pacific to face the Rainbow Warriors on their home turf.
While the Hawaii Bowl doesn’t carry College Football Playoff implications, roster availability still plays a meaningful role in shaping expectations. Coaching changes, transfer portal movement, and late-season injuries have created a short but notable list of absences worth monitoring ahead of kickoff.
Which Players Are Opting Out or Injured Ahead of the Hawaii Bowl?
California Golden Bears
California will enter the Hawaii Bowl without head coach Justin Wilcox, who was dismissed prior to the postseason. The Golden Bears will be led by Tosh Lupoi, who joined as head coach after Wilcox’s exit and was previously with the Oregon Ducks as their defensive coordinator.
Beyond the coaching change, the Golden Bears have not reported any confirmed player opt-outs or major injury-related absences ahead of the matchup, leaving the roster largely intact for the bowl game.
- Justin Wilcox (HC) – Fired
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors
Hawaii, meanwhile, will be missing multiple contributors on both sides of the ball. Wide receiver Jackson Harris will not participate after entering the transfer portal, while fellow receiver Nick Cenacle has been ruled out due to injury.
On defense, cornerback Virdel Edwards II and linebacker Jamih Otis are also unavailable because of injuries, thinning their depth.
- Jackson Harris (WR) – Transfer Portal
- Nick Cenacle (WR) – injury
- Virdel Edwards II (CB) – injury
- Jamih Otis (LB) – injury
The Rainbow Warriors will need younger players and rotational pieces to step into expanded roles in their home bowl appearance.
How to Watch California vs. Hawaii in the Hawaii Bowl
The Hawaii Bowl between California and Hawaii will be televised nationally on ESPN, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET from Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. ESPN’s broadcast will feature Chris Cotter handling play-by-play duties, alongside Max Browne as the game analyst, with Harry Lyles Jr. reporting from the sidelines throughout the contest.
Fans looking to stream the game can do so through the ESPN app or ESPN.com by logging in with a valid subscription. Radio coverage will also be available nationally via ESPN Radio, with additional local broadcasts expected for listeners in Hawaii and California.
Read More:
Salute to Veterans Bowl Preview: Troy vs Jacksonville State Prediction, Odds & Key Matchups
What Happens If Alabama Loses The SEC Championship? CFP Chaos Looms As Scenarios Tighten
Why Isn’t Texas A&M In The SEC Championship? Conference Tiebreaker Rules Explained
Fans Push Nick Saban As ‘Man for the Job’ As Ex Alabama HC Makes Bold CFB Commissioner Proposal
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
