Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Football

The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football team represents the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and competes in NCAA Division I FBS college football. They were part of the Western Athletic Conference until July 2012, before the team transitioned to the Mountain West Conference. From 2000 to 2013, they were briefly renamed the Warriors before changing their name back to the Rainbow Warriors in 2013.

Notably, they became the third team from a non-automatic qualifier conference to play in a BCS bowl game, facing Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on January 1, 2008. This team currently plays within the Mountain West Conference.

Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Football Introduction

The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football team, played its first season in 1909. They played as an independent team from 1909 to 1978 before joining the Western Athletic Conference in 1979. In 2012, they became part of the Mountain West Conference. The team plays its home games at the Clarence T. C. Ching Athletics Complex. Over the years, the Rainbow Warriors have won four conference titles and one division title.

Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Football History

The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Football history spans over a century, from their victorious debut against McKinley High School in 1909 to their transition to the University of Hawaiʻi in 1920. Under Otto Klum's leadership from 1921 to 1939, the team grew, achieving back-to-back undefeated seasons and earning the nickname "Wonder Teams."

Despite interruptions due to World War II, Hawaii football resumed in 1946 under Eugene Gill's guidance. During the tenure of Tom Kaulukukui as the head coach Rainbow Warriors got their first All-American player and significant upsets, while subsequent coaches like Hank Vasconcellos and Dave Holmes continued to shape the team's legacy.

Notable milestones include Larry Price leading the team into NCAA Division I status in the mid-1970s, Dick Tomey's tenure in the Western Athletic Conference, and Bob Wagner's leadership during the program's first major bowl victory in 1992. Throughout its history, Hawaii football has experienced victories, setbacks, and transformative moments that have defined its enduring legacy in college sports.

Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Football Coach

Timmy Chang was appointed as the head coach of the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football team in January 2022. He succeeded a line of 22 head coaches since the program's beginning in 1909.

Chang was a quarterback for Hawaii, and he holds several significant passing records in college football, including the NCAA record for most career passing yards. Before coaching, Chang also played for several professional football teams, including the Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, and Philadelphia Eagles. As head coach, Chang signed a four-year deal with his alma mater, Hawaii, continuing the legacy of leadership in the program's history.

Here is a table summarizing the tenure of all the head coaches of the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football team:

Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Football Stadium: Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex

The Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex, located at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in Honolulu, is a three-story building adjacent to an all-purpose track and Clarence T.C. Ching Field.

Established in 2015, this facility houses locker rooms and a meeting space for various university sports teams, including beach volleyball, cross country, women's soccer, and track and field. Additionally, the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football team uses the complex for practice, and it has served as its temporary stadium since 2021. With a seating capacity that has expanded from 9,346 to 15,194 in 2021 and further increasing to 16,909 in 2024, it accommodates both athletes and spectators.

Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Football Rivals

Some of the notable rivalries of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Football are:

Fresno State - Battle for the Golden Screwdriver

The rivalry between Hawaii and Fresno State has intensified, especially after BYU left the WAC in 1999. Both teams, as the oldest members of the WAC, often compete for the conference championship. This rivalry has seen accusations of poor sportsmanship from both sides and is known for the rowdiness of their home fans. Even though there have been some big wins or losses before, fans from both teams still get really excited about the rivalry.

Air Force - Battle for the Kuter Trophy

One of Hawaii's oldest rivalries, this matchup is symbolized by the Kuter Trophy, named after General Laurence S. Kuter, who served in Hawaii. The trophy signifies sportsmanship and the bond between the Air Force and Hawaii. Air Force currently holds the trophy following their win in 2019.

Wyoming - Battle for the Paniolo Trophy

This rivalry between Hawaii and Wyoming started in 1978 when Hawaii joined the WAC. This rivalry was revived in 2013 when Hawaii became a football affiliate member of the MW. The teams compete for the Paniolo Trophy, donated by the Wyoming Paniolo Society. The trophy features a bronze cowboy, symbolizing the Hawaiian word "paniolo," meaning "cowboy." Wyoming leads the series, but Hawaii currently holds the trophy after their recent victory in Laramie.

Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Football Record and stats

• Hawaii Rainbow Warriors have won 4 conference titles in the WAC conference in the years 1992, 1999, 2007 and 2010

• They also won the 2019 Division championship in the Mountain West Conference with a 10-5 overall record.

Conference championships

Division championships

Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Football Roster

The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Football team boasts a dynamic roster, blending talent from various positions and backgrounds to create a formidable lineup for the upcoming season.

Players on the offense side include:

On the defensive side, notable players include:

Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Football Schedule

The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Football Schedule for the regular season is as follows