Backup quarterback Luke Weaver threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to Nick Cenacle, a Montreal native, with just 10 seconds remaining, leading Hawaii to a remarkable 35-31 comeback win over California in an exciting Hawaii Bowl on Wednesday night. Weaver came in for Micah Alejado, who was injured on the previous play. Coach Timmy Chang opted for a shot at the end zone instead of a tying field goal, and Cenacle made a crucial catch between two defenders for the winning score.
Chang, in his fourth year as Hawaii’s coach and a former standout quarterback for the team, guided the Rainbow Warriors to their first nine-win season since 2019. Alejado had an impressive performance, completing 32 of 46 passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns, helping Hawaii overcome an early 21-0 deficit. Pofele Ashlock also shined with 14 receptions for 123 yards and two touchdowns as Hawaii scored 22 points in the final quarter.
Cal briefly took the lead 31-28 with 1:57 remaining on a 1-yard touchdown run by freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele. However, Alejado’s 17-yard touchdown pass to Brandon White at 7:19 left Hawaii in a 28-24 lead. The Rainbow Warriors leveled the score early in the fourth quarter with another touchdown by Ashlock and a successful 2-point conversion.
Hawaii improved its bowl game record to 9-6, while Cal dropped to 12-14-1. The game was a testament to Hawaii’s resilience and fighting spirit, drawing praise from Cal’s interim coach Nick Rolovich, who acknowledged Chang and the Warriors’ relentless performance.
Looking forward, Cal exceeded expectations this season after being predicted to finish near the bottom in the preseason. With a coaching change on the horizon, the team has shown promise under adverse circumstances. Hawaii, on the other hand, has a strong foundation to build upon under Chang’s leadership. Despite losing a key player to transfer, the team’s core players, including Alejado and Ashlock, are set to return next season.
Sagapolutele continues to impress with a streak of 178 consecutive passes without an interception, nearing the school record set by Jared Goff in 2015. Cal will face UCLA in their next game on September 5, 2026, while Hawaii will kick off the upcoming season against Stanford on August 29 in the Bay Area.