Hawaii enters the Week 0 West Coast showdown against Stanford with optimistic expectations for the 2026 season. Under head coach Timmy Chang, the Rainbow Warriors are considered among the favorites in the Mountain West Conference.
Micah Alejado, Hawaii's quarterback, is highlighted as one of the most dynamic players in the country. As a redshirt freshman in 2025, Alejado threw for 3,106 yards and 24 touchdowns despite managing injuries throughout the season. His ability to quickly change the momentum of a game, coupled with Hawaii's quick-strike offense, positions them as a threat against any opponent.
Stanford, conversely, faces a projected difficult season. The Cardinal's win total is set at 3.5, with this matchup against Hawaii potentially being pivotal for their season's outcome. Despite being at home and a Power 4 program, Stanford is a 4-point favorite, a margin some analysts believe is too high.
The Cardinal's offense is expected to rely heavily on the running game, with quarterback Davis Warren, a transfer from Michigan, noted more for his leadership than his on-field explosiveness. The team aims to establish a tempo through its ground game and fill in the gaps through the air.
Given these dynamics, Hawaii is viewed as a live underdog with a strong chance to pull off an upset. The Rainbow Warriors' moneyline is set at +164.