Hawaii Rainbow Warriors face Stanford in season opener

The University of Hawaiʻi Rainbow Warriors are set to begin their football season on Saturday, August 29, against the Stanford Cardinal. The matchup serves as an early test for Hawaiʻi, following projections from ESPN’s Bill Connelly that positioned the team as a potential contender for the 2026-2027 College Football Playoff.

Stanford enters the game looking for redemption after a 23-20 loss to Hawaiʻi last year. The Cardinal program is currently in a period of transition within the ACC, featuring Tavita Pritchard, who has returned to his alma mater after a stint with the Washington Commanders.

To support the team's travel, Hawaiian Airlines has provided a dedicated charter flight for the players, coaches, and staff from Honolulu to San Jose. As part of a historic collaboration, the Rainbow Warriors will wear jerseys featuring the Hawaiian Airlines Pualani patch during the game. This partnership will continue throughout the season as the team begins its first year as a full member of the Mountain West Conference.