The 2024 season was anything but quiet for the Rainbow Warriors. Honestly, if you just looked at the final record of 5-7, you'd think it was a standard, mediocre year in the Mountain West. But that’s where most people get it wrong. The university of hawaii football schedule 2024 was a brutal, heart-stopping gauntlet that saw three games decided by three points or fewer.
That is the difference between a losing season and a bowl-eligible run. Just a few plays. A missed tackle here or a field goal there.
Timmy Chang’s third year at the helm was a masterclass in "what if." They had the Power Five glamour of UCLA coming to the islands, a soul-crushing trip to Sam Houston, and a senior night that actually lived up to the hype. Let's break down how this schedule actually shook out because the box scores don't tell the whole story of the grit shown at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex.
The Brutal Reality of the University of Hawaii Football Schedule 2024
August started with a win, but it felt weird. Playing Delaware State in Week 0 is supposed to be a warm-up. Hawaii won 35-14, sure, but the offensive rhythm wasn't quite there yet. Then came the big one. UCLA. August 31st.
The stadium was electric. It was the first time the Bruins played in Honolulu since 1939. Imagine that. Most of the fans weren't even born the last time that happened. Hawaii led. They fought. They looked like the better team for long stretches. But a late field goal handed them a 16-13 loss. It was a theme that would haunt the 2024 campaign.
A September to Forget
The road wasn't kind. Traveling from Hawaii to Huntsville, Texas, is a logistical nightmare. The jet lag is real. On September 14, the Warriors ran into a Sam Houston team that was just more physical. A 31-13 loss made the flight home feel twice as long.
They bounced back against Northern Iowa (36-7) on "Disco Night," which was basically a party in the stands, but the real test was the Mountain West slate starting in October.
Heartbreak and Homecomings
The middle of the university of hawaii football schedule 2024 was a rollercoaster of emotions.
- San Diego State (Oct 5): Another three-point loss. 27-24.
- Boise State (Oct 12): The Broncos showed why they were ranked #17. A 28-7 loss where the Hawaii defense actually played out of their minds, but the offense couldn't find the end zone.
- Washington State (Oct 19): A 42-10 blowout in Pullman. It was cold. It was ugly.
But then, things shifted. Homecoming against Nevada on October 26th changed the vibe. Brayden Schager, the quarterback who basically has "Hawaii Tough" tattooed on his soul, tied a school record with four rushing touchdowns. He ran for 120 yards. A quarterback! They won 34-13.
The Signature Win
If you ask any fan about the highlight of the 2024 season, they’ll point to November 2nd. Fresno State. The Warriors were down 13 points in the second half. It looked over. Then Schager found Nick Cenacle for a 3-yard touchdown with only 15 seconds left on the clock. 21-20. Silence in Fresno. Pure joy in Manoa.
Breaking Down the Numbers
The final stretch was a mess of "almosts." A 29-27 loss to UNLV—another two-point heartbreaker—followed by a total collapse against Utah State (55-10).
By the time the season finale against New Mexico rolled around on November 30th, the bowl hopes were technically gone, but the pride wasn't. Freshman Micah Alejado stepped in and went absolutely nuclear. He set freshman records with 469 passing yards and five touchdowns. Hawaii won 38-30. It was a glimpse into a very bright future.
Key Stats from the 2024 Campaign
The passing game remained the identity of this team. They averaged 268.2 yards through the air, ranking 27th in the nation. But the run game? It was rough. They were second-to-last in the FBS, averaging only about 75 yards per game. You can't be one-dimensional in this conference and expect to win consistently.
Defensively, Cam Stone was a beast. Pro Football Focus (PFF) gave him a 90.3 grade. He was one of the best cornerbacks in the country, period. Without him and the defensive line's 10.5 tackles for loss from Elijah Robinson, those close games would have been blowouts.
Looking Forward: Why the Schedule Matters
The university of hawaii football schedule 2024 proved that the Rainbow Warriors are right on the edge. They finished 5-7 (3-4 in the MW). If they win those three close games against UCLA, SDSU, and UNLV, we are talking about an 8-4 season and a potential run at the Mountain West title.
The biggest takeaway? Depth. By the end of the year, the injuries were piling up. But seeing Alejado step in for Schager and light up the scoreboard gives fans a reason to renew those season tickets.
What to Watch for Next
If you’re following Hawaii football, keep an eye on the transfer portal. Coach Chang has to fix the offensive line if they want to improve the run game. Also, watch the development of Phelele Ashlock. He’s a weapon.
Next steps for fans:
- Check the 2025 non-conference dates to see if another Power Five team is coming to the islands.
- Follow the recovery of the injured starters heading into spring ball.
- Watch the Micah Alejado vs. returning veteran QB battle—it's going to be the talk of the town.
The 2024 season is in the books, and while the record isn't perfect, the trajectory is definitely pointing up.