
Advertise on podcast: Hawaii Football Final
Rating
5from
This podcast has
119 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
KHON2 SportsExplicit
No
Date created
2019/09/30
Latest episode
2026/10/26
Average duration
51 min.
Release period
24 days
Description
Every Sunday night during the University of Hawaii football season, Hawaii Football Final's Rob DeMello & Rich Miano will talk shop on the latest news surrounding the Rainbow Warrior football team and preview their upcoming opponent.
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Warriors travel 4,200 miles to find first Mountain West win of the season, snaps four game losing streak in a 56-21 win at Northern Illinois
2026/10/26
After traveling a conference game-record 4,200 miles in search of their first Mountain West victory of the season, the University of Hawaii football team delivered its most dominant performance of the year, rolling past Northern Illinois 56-21 on Saturday.
The Rainbow Warriors snapped a four-game losing streak with an offensive explosion and a turnover-hungry defense, improving to 2-6 overall and 1-4 in Mountain West play.
In the latest episode of Hawaii Football Final, a Hawaii Sports 2Night production, KHON2 Sports Director Rob DeMello and analyst Rich Miano, a former UH player and coach and 11-year NFL veteran, break down the much-needed victory and what it could mean for the Rainbow Warriors moving forward.
After struggling to find consistency throughout the season, Hawaii’s offense erupted for 504 total yards, led by quarterback Micah Alejado, who threw three touchdown passes.
Wide receiver Frank Abreu hauled in two scoring receptions, while Oahu native Josiah Fetui recorded the first touchdown catch of his collegiate career.
The Rainbow Warriors also established a productive ground attack, rushing for 175 yards on 42 carries. Davon Rice found the end zone twice, while Cam Barfield and TJ Fo’i Lefutu each scored their first rushing touchdowns of the season.
Defensively, Hawaii continued to show signs of improvement, forcing five turnovers to help fuel the runaway victory.
Among the defensive standouts was Jeremiah Hughes, who recorded his third interception over the Rainbow Warriors’ last eight quarters of play.
The 35-point victory provided a much-needed boost for a Hawaii team that entered the contest having lost six of its first seven games.
DeMello and Miano examine the offensive resurgence, the defense’s ability to create turnovers and whether the performance can serve as a turning point for the Rainbow Warriors as they enter the final stretch of the season.
The duo also answers viewer-submitted questions in the popular “HFF Mailbox” segment and looks ahead to what’s next for the ’Bows.
Hawaii Football Final premieres every Sunday at 7 p.m. on the KHON+ app, available on Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
A television rebroadcast airs Mondays at 10:35 p.m. on KHON2.
An extended podcast edition of the show is also released every Sunday at 7:30 p.m. on most major podcast platforms, including Spotify.
Warriors let 10-0 halftime lead disappear as UH fell to New Mexico 21-10 in an all too familiar offensive struggle for the 'Bows
2026/10/19
Another missed opportunity left the University of Hawaii football team searching for answers after a 21-10 homecoming loss to Mountain West-leading New Mexico, dropping the Rainbow Warriors to 1-6 overall and 0-4 in conference play.
In the latest episode of Hawaii Football Final, a Hawaii Sports 2Night production, KHON2 Sports Director Rob DeMello and analyst Rich Miano, a former UH player and coach and 11-year NFL veteran, break down another frustrating defeat for the Rainbow Warriors, whose offensive struggles overshadowed a strong defensive performance.
Hawaii appeared poised to pull off an upset after shutting out the Lobos in the first half and forcing three turnovers. The Rainbow Warriors also benefited from 16 New Mexico penalties totaling 145 yards but failed to capitalize on numerous scoring opportunities.
The most glaring issues came in the red zone, where UH managed just one touchdown and one field goal on four trips inside the New Mexico 20-yard line.
The game's defining moment came in the fourth quarter when quarterback Micah Alejado fumbled at the 1-yard line, denying Hawaii a potential two-possession lead.
Instead, the turnover sparked consecutive scoring drives for New Mexico, which scored 21 unanswered points after halftime to complete the comeback and spoil the Rainbow Warriors' homecoming celebration.
Despite a defensive effort that put UH in position to win, the inability to finish drives proved costly once again as Hawaii suffered its sixth loss in seven games.
In this week's episode, DeMello and Miano examine the missed opportunities, discuss the Rainbow Warriors' continued offensive struggles and assess what needs to change as UH looks to turn its season around.
The duo also answers viewer-submitted questions in the popular "HFF Mailbox" segment and looks ahead to what's next for the 'Bows.
Hawaii Football Final premieres every Sunday at 7 p.m. on the KHON+ app, available on Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire TV Stick. A television rebroadcast airs Mondays at 10:35 p.m. on KHON2.
An extended version of the show is also released every Sunday at 7:30 p.m. on most major podcast platforms, including Spotify.
Season long struggles continue in Rainbow Warriors 30-12 loss at Arizona State
2026/10/12
The University of Hawaii football team’s latest loss, a 30-12 defeat at Arizona State, was the focus of the latest episode of Hawaii Football Final, as KHON2 Sports Director Rob DeMello and analyst Rich Miano examined the issues continuing to plague the Rainbow Warriors.
The Rainbow Warriors fell to 1-5 on the season after struggling against the Sun Devils in a nonconference matchup. Penalties, costly miscues and an inability to capitalize in the red zone proved costly once again for Hawaii against the Power Four opponent.
Due to a weekend of travel disruptions returning from the Pacific Northwest to Oahu, DeMello hosted the latest episode in an audio-only format alongside Miano, a former Hawaii player and coach and an 11-year NFL veteran.
The episode also featured the HFF Mailbox segment, in which the hosts answered viewer-submitted questions, and looked ahead to what’s next for the Rainbow Warriors.
Hawaii Football Final is a Hawaii Sports 2Night production that normally streams Sundays at 7 p.m. on the KHON+ app, available on Apple TV, Roku and Fire TV.
An extended version is released Sundays at 7:30 p.m. on podcast platforms, including Spotify.
A television rebroadcast airs Mondays at 10:35 p.m. on KHON2.
The show is scheduled to return to its regular video format next week.
Another frustrating loss for Hawaii as San Jose State continues dominance in series, drops UH to 1-4 on the season, 0-3 in the Mountain West
2026/10/05
The University of Hawaii football team’s struggles continued Saturday night with a 20-16 loss to San Jose State at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex.The Rainbow Warriors fell to 1-4 overall and 0-3 in Mountain West play after another game in which costly mistakes proved difficult to overcome.
On the latest episode of Hawaii Football Final, KHON2 Sports Director Rob DeMello and analyst Rich Miano broke down Hawaii’s latest setback and examined what went wrong for the Rainbow Warriors.
Miano, a former Hawaii player and coach who spent 11 seasons in the NFL, joined DeMello to discuss San Jose State quarterback Luke Weaver’s return to the islands.
Weaver, who was Hawaii’s backup quarterback in 2025, completed the night with 246 passing yards and two touchdowns without committing a turnover.
Hawaii quarterback Micah Alejado threw for more than 300 yards but was intercepted twice. The Rainbow Warriors also struggled to capitalize on opportunities in the red zone, failing to score a touchdown on two trips inside the 20-yard line.
Penalties were another major issue for Hawaii, which was flagged 12 times in the game.The Rainbow Warriors had one final opportunity to rally in the closing seconds, but their last-ditch effort came up short.With the victory, San Jose State extended its winning streak in the series to six games dating to 2020 and retained the Dick Tomey Legacy Trophy.
The Spartans also remained unbeaten against Hawaii in Mountain West play at 3-0.
DeMello and Miano also answered viewer-submitted questions in the “HFF Mailbox” segment and looked ahead to what is next for the Rainbow Warriors as they attempt to turn around their season.
Hawaii Football Final is a Hawaii Sports 2Night production that airs Sundays at 7 p.m. on the KHON+ app, available on Apple TV, Roku and Fire TV. A television rebroadcast airs Mondays at 10:35 p.m. on KHON2.
An extended version of the show is released Sundays at 7:30 p.m. on major podcast platforms, including Spotify.
Rainbow Warriors lose at Wyoming in the Battle for the Paniolo Trophy as UH remains winless in Mountain West
2026/09/28
The University of Hawaii football team’s frustrating road loss at Wyoming was the focus of the latest episode of Hawaii Football Final, a Hawaii Sports 2Night production hosted by KHON2 Sports Director Rob DeMello and former Rainbow Warriors player and coach Rich Miano.
The Rainbow Warriors fell to Wyoming 27-10, remaining winless in Mountain West play and dropping to 1-3 overall and 0-2 in conference play.
DeMello and Miano broke down a mistake-filled performance in which Hawaii struggled to establish momentum and was unable to capitalize on opportunities.
Trailing 13-3, Hawaii put together a nine-minute, 74-yard drive to open the second half, but the possession ended with a failed fourth-down attempt.
The Rainbow Warriors defense responded with a quick three-and-out, but a penalty on the ensuing punt gave Wyoming new life. Hawaii was penalized for having two players wearing No. 8 on the field at the same time, resulting in an automatic first down for the Cowboys.
Wyoming then turned the extra opportunity into a 99-yard touchdown drive, delivering a pivotal blow to Hawaii’s comeback hopes.
The Cowboys finished with 183 rushing yards, while Hawaii was flagged for eight penalties in the game.
The loss also kept the Rainbow Warriors from bringing home the Paniolo Trophy and extended their winless start to Mountain West play.
During the episode, DeMello and Miano also answered viewer-submitted questions in the “HFF Mailbox” segment and looked ahead to what’s next for the Rainbow Warriors.
Hawaii Football Final premieres Sundays at 7 p.m. on the KHON+ app, available through Apple TV, Roku and Fire TV. A television rebroadcast airs Mondays at 10:35 p.m. on KHON2.
An extended version of the show is released Sundays at 7:30 p.m. on major podcast platforms, including Spotify.
Rainbow Warriors associate head coach Chris Brown in studio for bye week edition ahead of Wyoming game
2026/09/21
The University of Hawaii football team may have been idle on the field over the weekend, but discussion surrounding the Rainbow Warriors continued on the latest episode of Hawaii Football Final.KHON2 Sports Director Rob DeMello was joined by Hawaii associate head coach and linebackers coach Chris Brown to break down the Rainbow Warriors’ bye week, preparations for Saturday’s road game against Wyoming and answer viewer-submitted questions during the show’s popular “HFF Mailbox” segment.
The episode also featured the 2026 Hawaii football team’s pregame entrance video, which is shown before home games at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. The cinematic production includes the voice of legendary UFC announcer Bruce Buffer and was created by UFC as a gift to the program through Brown’s relationship with the Las Vegas-based organization.
Hawaii Football Final is a production of Hawaii Sports 2Night and premieres every Sunday at 7 p.m. on the KHON+ app, available on Apple TV, Roku and Firestick. A television rebroadcast airs Mondays at 10:35 p.m. on KHON2.
An extended version of the show is released each Sunday at 7:30 p.m. on most podcast platforms, including Spotify.
The Rainbow Warriors return to action Saturday when they travel to face Wyoming.
Alejado plays through pain, Uiliata throws touchdown pass, while the defense forces three turnovers in Hawaii's win over New Mexico State to secure first victory of the 2026 season
2026/09/14
The University of Hawaii football team is finally in the win column.The Rainbow Warriors earned their first victory of the 2026 season Saturday night, holding off New Mexico State 29-19 in a physical three-phase battle at the Ching Complex.
The victory was the focus of the latest episode of Hawaii Football Final, a Hawaii Sports 2Night production hosted by KHON2 Sports Director Rob DeMello and former Hawaii player and coach Rich Miano, an 11-year NFL veteran.
Hawaii jumped out to a fast start, scoring the first 16 points of the game. Running back Devon Rice found the end zone twice as the Rainbow Warriors built a 19-13 halftime lead.
New Mexico State answered early in the third quarter, tying the game on a fumble return for a touchdown.
The Aggies’ momentum was followed by a frightening moment for Hawaii when quarterback Micah Alejado absorbed a devastating hit. The quarterback stayed in the game and finished with 346 passing yards, continuing to demonstrate the toughness that has become a defining part of his young career.
Hawaii’s lone touchdown pass came from Tama Uiliata, who connected with Frank Abreu on a fourth-down scoring play to give the Rainbow Warriors a late boost and help seal the victory.
The Hawaii defense also came up big, forcing three turnovers, while kicker Sean Olvera-Harle converted three field goals as Hawaii leaned on all three phases to secure its first win of the season.The 29-19 victory moved the Rainbow Warriors to 1-2 on the season and gave the team its first win of 2026.
On Hawaii Football Final, DeMello and Miano broke down the win, examined the key plays and performances, answered viewer-submitted questions in the “HFF Mailbox” segment and looked ahead to what’s next for the Rainbow Warriors.
New episodes of Hawaii Football Final air Sundays at 7 p.m. on the KHON+ app, available on Apple TV, Roku and Firestick. The show is rebroadcast Mondays at 10:35 p.m. on KHON2.
UNLV wins fourth straight over Hawaii, Rainbow Warriors fall to 0-2 on the season
2026/09/07
The latest episode of Hawaii Football Final, a production of Hawaii Sports 2Night, breaks down the University of Hawaii football team’s 21-6 home-opening loss to archrival UNLV.
KHON2 Sports Director Rob DeMello is joined by analyst Rich Miano, a former Hawaii player and coach and 11-year NFL veteran, to examine another frustrating offensive performance by the Rainbow Warriors and look ahead to what’s next for the team.
Hawaii’s offense struggled to find a rhythm for the second consecutive game. After managing only limited production for much of its season opener at Stanford, the Rainbow Warriors struggled from start to finish against UNLV.
Dropped passes, penalties and inconsistent pass protection contributed to an off-target night for quarterback Micah Alejado, who completed just 42% of his passes.
While Hawaii’s offense struggled, the Rainbow Warriors defense kept the Rebels within reach for much of the game. UNLV had just 14 points through 55 minutes before breaking the game open late.
Running back Jet Thomas delivered the decisive play, sprinting 50 yards for a touchdown to put the Rebels in control. Thomas finished with 143 yards on 20 carries.
The victory extended UNLV’s winning streak over Hawaii to four games and allowed the Rebels to retain the Island Showdown trophy.
The loss dropped the Rainbow Warriors to 0-2 on the season and provided plenty for DeMello and Miano to discuss, including questions submitted by viewers in the “HFF Mailbox” segment and a preview of what lies ahead for Hawaii.
Hawaii Football Final premieres Sundays at 7 p.m. on the KHON+ app, available on Apple TV, Roku and Fire TV devices. A television rebroadcast airs Mondays at 10:35 p.m. on KHON2.
An extended version of the show is also released Sundays at 7:30 p.m. on most major podcast platforms, including Spotify.
'Bows have rally for the ages denied in 2026 season opener at Stanford
2026/08/31
The latest episode of Hawaii Football Final, a production of Hawaii Sports 2Night, breaks down the Rainbow Warriors’ season-opening 37-27 loss to Stanford and looks ahead to what’s next for Hawaii.
KHON2 Sports Director Rob DeMello is joined by Rich Miano, a former University of Hawaii player and coach and 11-year NFL veteran, to analyze the Warriors’ near comeback in the Bay Area, answer viewer questions in the “HFF Mailbox” segment and preview the team’s upcoming matchup.
Hawaii struggled to find its footing offensively early against the Cardinal, punting on eight of its first nine possessions, including six three-and-outs.
The Warriors trailed 14-7 at halftime and 23-7 entering the fourth quarter before mounting a furious rally.
Defensive standout Kona Moore helped spark the turnaround with 10 tackles, including two for loss, as Hawaii’s defense gave the offense an opportunity to get back into the game.
The Warriors then scored 20 consecutive points to take their first lead of the afternoon.
Local products Blaze Kamoku, Kaikai Carvalho and Tama Uiliata combined for 16 receptions, while quarterback Micah Alejado finished with 260 yards passing.
Alejado connected with De’Von Rice on a 29-yard touchdown pass to give Hawaii a 27-23 lead with four minutes remaining.
The comeback, however, unraveled in the final 1:41.
Stanford running back Micah Ford posted his third touchdown rush of the game to put the Cardinal back in front before Punahou graduate Tevarua Tafiti recovered a 31-yard Alejado fumble for touchown to seal the victory.
Stanford finished with a 37-27 win, dropping Hawaii to 0-1 to open the season despite the Warriors’ fourth-quarter surge.
Hawaii Football Final airs Sundays at 7 p.m. on the KHON+ app, available on Apple TV, Roku and Fire TV. A television rebroadcast airs Mondays at 10:35 p.m. on KHON2.
An extended version of the show is also released Sundays at 7:30 p.m. on most major podcast platforms, including Spotify.
2026 Rainbow Warriors season preview
2026/08/24
The wait is over.
The University of Hawai‘i football team opens the 2026 season Saturday on the road against Stanford, and Hawai‘i Football Final is getting fans ready for kickoff with a special quick preview episode featuring KHON2 Sports Director Rob DeMello and former Rainbow Warrior player and coach Rich Miano.
After an offseason filled with excitement and high expectations, Miano breaks down what makes this year’s team different and why he believes the Rainbow Warriors have the leadership and chemistry to pursue lofty goals in 2026.
“I think the leadership,” Miano said. “When I talk about 2007 being arguably the greatest season in Hawai‘i history, it wasn’t because it was the most talented team. This team does have talent and you can see the athleticism. But what it has when I talk about leadership is you look at a guy like Jamih Otis, Elijah Palmer, Micah Alejado, Cam Barfield, and there are other leaders as well.”
Miano also pointed to the continuity within the coaching staff as another key factor heading into the season.
The Rainbow Warriors return their coordinators, allowing the team to build on the systems, terminology and techniques established a year ago.
“The Braddahhood has really developed that belief in the coaching staff,” Miano said.
Miano believes Hawai‘i is positioned to build on last season’s success, which included nine wins and a Hawai‘i Bowl championship.
The Rainbow Warriors also have recent history against Stanford and other current Pac-12 opponents to draw from. Hawai‘i opened last season against Stanford and closed the regular season against California.
“What they’re doing in almost every aspect of this football program is headed in a positive direction,” Miano said. “I’m anticipating it and I’m expecting a Mountain West championship or at least competing for that.”
The full Hawai‘i Football Final season preview dives deeper into the 2026 Rainbow Warriors, including the expectations surrounding quarterback Micah Alejado, the team’s returning leadership and what it will take for Hawai‘i to compete for a Mountain West championship in its first season in the conference.
Hawai‘i Football Final is a Hawai‘i Sports 2Night production hosted by DeMello and Miano, a former UH player and coach, 11-year NFL veteran and UH Sports Circle of Honor member.
The new season of Hawai‘i Football Final premieres Sunday, August 30 at 7 p.m. on the KHON+ app, available on Apple TV, Roku and Firestick. Each episode is also available on demand following its premiere, with a television rebroadcast Mondays at 10:35 p.m. on KHON2.
Episodes are also available on demand at KHON2.com and YouTube, with an audio version available on Spotify and most other podcast platforms.
Hawai‘i opens the 2026 season against Stanford Saturday at 1 p.m. Hawai‘i time.
For continuing coverage of the Rainbow Warriors throughout the season, stay with KHON2 Sports on air and online.
'Bows co-captain Zhen Sotelo in studio following epic Rainbow Warriors Hawaii Bowl victory over California
2025/12/29
The latest episode of Hawaiʻi Football Final, a Hawaiʻi Sports 2Night production, looked back at one of the most memorable moments in University of Hawaiʻi football history, a comeback for the ages in the 22nd Hawaiʻi Bowl.
KHON2 Sports Director Rob DeMello was joined by Rainbow Warriors senior offensive lineman and co-captain Zhen Sotelo as the show revisited Hawaiʻi’s 35-31 victory over California on Christmas Eve, a nationally televised thriller that capped an unforgettable season in Mānoa.
Hawaiʻi trailed 21-0 in the first half before digging deep across all three phases to mount a stunning rally. Freshman quarterback Micah Alejado, named Mountain West Freshman of the Year, played through heavy contact to throw for 274 yards and three touchdowns. Hawaiʻi Bowl MVP Pofele Ashlock hauled in 14 receptions for 123 yards and two scores as the Warriors outscored the Golden Bears 35-10 down the stretch.
The defining moment came with 15 seconds remaining. Trailing by three, Hawaiʻi faced sudden adversity when Alejado was knocked out of the game after a late hit. Backup quarterback Luke Weaver was called upon to deliver in the game’s biggest moment, and did just that, dropping a 22-yard go-ahead touchdown pass to senior receiver Nick Cenacle.
The play, quickly etched into Hawaiʻi football lore, sealed the Warriors’ first Hawaiʻi Bowl victory since 2010 and completed a comeback that will be remembered among the program’s greatest moments.
Head coach Timmy Chang, in his fourth season, closed out a 9-4 campaign that saw Hawaiʻi bookend the year with wins over ACC opponents Stanford and California, further signaling the program’s resurgence under his leadership.
On Hawaiʻi Football Final, DeMello and Sotelo reflected on the emotional weight of the victory, the belief inside the locker room while trailing by three touchdowns, and the confidence the team had in Weaver when he stepped into the huddle for the final play.
The episode also featured the “HFF Mailbox” segment, answering viewer-submitted questions, and looked ahead to what’s next for the Rainbow Warriors following a season that reignited excitement around Hawaiʻi football.
Hawaiʻi Football Final premieres every Sunday at 7 p.m. on the KHON+ app, available on Apple TV, Roku and Firestick. A television rebroadcast airs Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. on KHON2.
Hawaii Bowl game week for the 'Bows vs. California
2025/12/22
The University of Hawaiʻi football team’s postseason return took center stage on the latest episode of Hawaii Football Final, as KHON2 Sports Director Rob DeMello was joined by ESPN Honolulu and KHON2 analyst John Veneri to break down the Rainbow Warriors’ upcoming Sheraton Hawaii Bowl matchup and the major storylines surrounding the program.
Hawaiʻi is set to make its 15th bowl game appearance in program history when it faces California on Christmas Eve. The matchup brings added intrigue, as Cal will be led by interim head coach Nick Rolovich, who returns to the islands to face his former University of Hawaiʻi teammate and current Rainbow Warriors head coach Timmy Chang.Chang, recently named an AFCA Regional Coach of the Year, is aiming to guide Hawaiʻi to its ninth victory of the season.
Both teams have shifted into bowl game preparations with full game-week practices underway.A major focus of the discussion centered on the head coaching matchup between Chang and Rolovich, whose relationship dates back 25 years to their arrival on UH’s lower campus as quarterbacks competing for the starting role. Both eventually earned their opportunities and went on to leave lasting legacies in the program, adding a unique layer to the upcoming showdown.
The quarterback storyline extends onto the field as well, with both teams led by left-handed quarterbacks from ʻEwa Beach. Hawaiʻi will be guided by Mountain West Freshman of the Year Micah Alejado, while Cal counters with freshman All-American Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele.
While the quarterbacks share similar roots, DeMello and Veneri discussed how each presents different challenges within their respective offensive schemes.
Roster movement in the modern college football landscape was also a key topic. Alejado recently announced he will return for the 2026 season after re-signing with the program, a significant development for the Rainbow Warriors amid the era of NIL and the transfer portal. However, Hawaiʻi will be without Alejado’s top receiving target, Jackson Harris, who has departed the program with plans to enter the transfer portal.DeMello and Veneri weighed the importance of retaining Hawaiʻi’s quarterback of the future while also addressing the impact of roster turnover as the Rainbow Warriors prepare for their bowl appearance.
Hawaii Football Final airs every Sunday at 7 p.m. on the KHON+ app, available on Apple TV, Roku and Firestick, with a television rebroadcast Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. on KHON2. An extended version of the show is also released each Sunday night at 7:30 p.m. on major podcast platforms, including Spotify.
'Bows vs. Cal - Hawaii Bowl matchup reaction
2025/12/08
The Hawaii Bowl matchup against California for the University of Hawaiʻi football team was the focus of the latest episode of Hawaii Football Final, which premiered Sunday night on the KHON+ app and featured KHON2 Sports Director Rob DeMello and analyst Rich Miano.
DeMello and Miano, a former UH player and coach and 11–year NFL veteran, discussed the Rainbow Warriors’ upcoming appearance in the Sheraton Hawaiʻi Bowl, answered fan questions in the “HFF Mailbox,” and broke down the next steps for the program. An extended version of the show is also released Sunday nights on major podcast platforms, including Spotify. A television rebroadcast airs Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. on KHON2.
Earlier in the week, bowl officials announced the 2025 matchup, which will feature Hawaiʻi against California of the Atlantic Coast Conference on Christmas Eve at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Mānoa. The game has already generated significant interest locally and nationally, fueled in part by a headline coaching storyline — a meeting between two former UH quarterbacks.
Hawaiʻi head coach Timmy Chang will lead the Rainbow Warriors into his first bowl game, opposite former UH quarterback and one-time Warriors head coach Nick Rolovich, who will serve as Cal’s interim head coach.
On the field, the Hawaiʻi Bowl will showcase two Hawaiʻi-born quarterbacks. UH freshman Micah Alejado — recently named Mountain West Freshman of the Year — will face Campbell High School alumnus Jaron-Keāwe Sagapolutele, the 2024 Mariota Award winner.
The matchup is one of several storylines surrounding Hawaiʻi’s return to postseason play, all of which DeMello and Miano examined as the Rainbow Warriors prepare for their Christmas Eve showdown in Honolulu.
'Bows get a senior night win over Wyoming
2025/12/01
The latest episode of Hawaii Football Final, a Hawaii Sports 2Night production hosted by KHON2 Sports Director Rob DeMello and analyst Rich Miano, recapped the University of Hawaiʻi football team’s regular-season-ending 20-point victory over Wyoming on Saturday night at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex.
Hawaiʻi rebounded from a 28-point loss at UNLV the previous week with a dominant defensive performance, holding the Cowboys without an offensive touchdown and recording 10 tackles for loss. The Rainbow Warriors also showcased strong execution on offense, powered by the connection between quarterback Micah Alejado and receiver Jackson Harris. Harris caught 153 of Alejado’s 289 passing yards, including a 78-yard touchdown strike that helped ignite momentum.
Special teams contributed to the effort as senior kicker Kansei Matsuzawa, a Lou Groza Award finalist, tied the FBS record for most consecutive field goals to start a season at 25 before missing his first attempt of the year. The milestone came on Senior Night, where 26 players were honored following the game.
With the win, Hawaiʻi secured its eighth victory of the season, marking only the fifth time in the last 20 years the program has reached that mark.
The episode also featured the weekly viewer-submitted “HFF Mailbox” segment and a look ahead at what’s next for the ‘Bows.
Hawaii Football Final premieres every Sunday at 7 p.m. on the KHON+ app, available on Apple TV, Roku and Firestick, with a televised rebroadcast airing Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. on KHON2. An extended version is released at 7:30 p.m. on major podcast platforms, including Spotify.
'Bows bust in Las Vegas, drop pivotal rivalry game to UNLV
2025/11/24
The latest episode of Hawaii Football Final, a Hawaii Sports 2Night production, premiered Sunday evening on the KHON+ app, where host Rob DeMello and guest analyst John Veneri broke down the University of Hawaiʻi football team’s 38-10 loss to UNLV on Friday night at Allegiant Stadium.
The weekly recap show, which streams at 7 p.m. Sundays on KHON+ and re-airs on television at 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays on KHON2, also features an extended version released at 7:30 p.m. Sundays on major podcast platforms, including Spotify.
Veneri, ESPN Honolulu play-by-play voice, former UH slotback and KHON2 personality joined the show to analyze the rivalry matchup that effectively ended Hawaiʻi’s hopes of reaching the Mountain West championship game.
Hawaiʻi briefly took control early, as quarterback Micah Alejado connected with receiver Jackson Harris for a 70-yard touchdown strike to give the Rainbow Warriors a 7-3 lead. But from there, UNLV dominated, outscoring UH 35-3 the rest of the way and holding the ‘Bows to just 231 total yards of offense.
Rebels quarterback Anthony Colandrea powered the comeback, completing 21 of 26 passes for 253 yards and three touchdowns, helping UNLV retain the Golden Pineapple rivalry trophy and securing a key conference victory.
The loss dropped Hawaiʻi out of contention for the league title as the 2025 season enters its final stretch.
Podcast reviews
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OliveDrabGiven 2025/10/14
Player/Coach/Media/Fan Perspectives
The most credible tandem to reflect on UH football. Decades of experience/commitment between Miano’s playing, coaching, and media career, and DeMello...
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