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Hawai’i’s offense led by QB Micah Alejado and a deeper defense make the Bows legit Mountain West contenders with a favorable 2026 schedule.
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It all starts with quarterback Micah Alejado. His command of the offense as a redshirt freshman was pretty spectacular. His quick decision-making sets him apart. He threw for 3,106 yards, 24 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Expect all those numbers to improve this season.
The running back room returns Cam Barfield. Barfield had eight total touchdowns last season and is a great option catching passes out of the backfield as well. Kansas State transfer DeVon Rice will serve as a very solid one-two punch for the Bows rushing attack.
The wide receiver room returns Pofele Ashlock in the slot. His ability to make plays has him on NFL scout’s radar. Nick Delgadillo, among others, will take on a bigger role. The additions of Devin Alves (Virginia Tech), Carson Brown (Iowa State), Tre’ Griffiths (Oklahoma State), and Audric Harris (Washington) are massive.
The offensive line room returns some experience in Dean Briski, Ethan Spencer, Judah Kaio, Lautaimi Manuma, and Boggie Henderson, among others. The additions of Khalil Walker (South Florida), Denaris DeRosa Jr. (San Jose State), and Lipe Moala (Oregon) are massive for this unit.
The defensive line room will lean on Lesterlaisene Lagafuaina for his experience and leadership. Luther McCoy and Ka’eo Akana, among others, also have some experience. The additions of Geoffry Speights (West Georgia), Spencer Elliott (Portland State), and Adam Tomczyk (West Vigrinia) are big.
The linebacker room returns experience in Jamih Otis, Wynden Ho’ohuli, and Matteus Ioane. Otis was an All-MWC performer last season but tore his ACL in November. He is a major question mark coming into this season. His ability and leadership are needed. Ho’ohuli will step up in his absence.
The secondary returns experience in Elijah Palmer (All-MWC), Matagi Thompson, Kona Moore, Elijah Gibson, Zion Allen, and Makana Meyer. The additions of Kodi DeCambra (UNLV), Joenel Figueroa (West Georgia), Jaylon Edmond (Wake Forest), Caleb Brown (Virginia Tech), and Jeremiah Hughes (Michigan State) are massive for this unit.
Replacing All-American kicker Kansei Matsuzawa won’t be easy, but Sean Olvera-Harle takes over after being the kickoff specialists. Texas transfer Gehrig Heil should handle the punting duties. Cam Barfield is also an excellent kickoff returner.
Timmy Chang has brought the winning culture back to Monoa. Micha Alejado has an opportunity to be the next great Hawai’i quarterback. If the defense continues to improve, watch out for the Bows. They are a real contender to win the Mountain West, and the schedule sets up well for them to do so. Possibly even more!
