Hawai'i's Dramatic Comeback Secures Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl Victory Over California

In a finish that will be remembered in Hawai'i football lore, the Rainbow Warriors staged a dramatic 35-31 comeback victory over California in the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl on Wednesday night. The game, played in Honolulu, featured a 21-point rally capped by a last-minute touchdown that sent the home crowd into a frenzy and secured Hawai'i's first nine-win season in six years.

The Game-Winning Drive

With just 10 seconds remaining on the clock and Hawai'i trailing 31-28, backup quarterback Luke Weaver entered the game after starter Micah Alejado took a hard hit on the previous play. Despite being in field goal range that could have tied the game, head coach Timmy Chang made the bold decision to go for the win. Weaver delivered a perfect 22-yard touchdown pass to receiver Nick Cenacle, who made a contested catch between two California defensive backs to secure the victory.

"How amazing is that?" Chang said after the game, according to ESPN's coverage. "It's a program that is built out of faith, and these guys deserve it, man." The decision showcased Chang's confidence in his team and willingness to take calculated risks in critical moments.

Overcoming Early Deficit

The victory was made more remarkable by Hawai'i's disastrous start to the game. California jumped out to a commanding 21-0 lead early in the second quarter, with Anthony League's 8-yard touchdown run extending the Golden Bears' advantage. For much of the first half, it appeared California would cruise to a comfortable bowl victory.

However, the Rainbow Warriors began their comeback in the second half, gradually chipping away at California's lead. Quarterback Micah Alejado played a crucial role in the rally, finishing the game 32-of-46 for 274 yards and three touchdowns. His performance was particularly impressive given the early deficit and mounting pressure as the game progressed.

Fourth Quarter Fireworks

The final period featured back-and-forth scoring that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Hawai'i tied the game early in the fourth quarter when Alejado connected with Pofele Ashlock for their second touchdown of the game, followed by a successful 2-point conversion pass to Cam Barfield. Ashlock finished with an impressive 14 catches for 123 yards and two touchdowns, establishing himself as a reliable target throughout the comeback effort.

Hawai'i took its first lead of the game with 7:19 remaining when Alejado found Brandon White for a 17-yard touchdown, putting the Rainbow Warriors ahead 28-24. California responded with a drive of their own, retaking the lead 31-28 with just 1:57 left on a 1-yard touchdown run by Hawai'i-born freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who finished with 343 yards passing and a touchdown.

Program Significance

The victory holds special significance for head coach Timmy Chang, who had a record-setting career as Hawai'i's quarterback from 2000 to 2004. Now in his fourth year leading the program, Chang has guided the Rainbow Warriors to their first nine-win season since 2019—when current California interim coach Nick Rolovich led Hawai'i to a 10-5 record. The symmetry wasn't lost on Rolovich, who tipped his cap to Chang and the Rainbow Warriors after the game.

"They fought to the end and they deserve a lot of credit for that. Timmy deserves a lot of credit for that," Rolovich said, as reported by ESPN. The victory improved Hawai'i's bowl record to 9-6, while California fell to 12-14-1 in postseason games.

Season Context and Future Outlook

The game represented different trajectories for both programs. California, which was picked to finish third to last in the Atlantic Coast Conference preseason media poll, finished the season tied for seventh with a 7-6 record. The Golden Bears fired coach Justin Wilcox last month and will be replaced next season by Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi. Despite the loss, there were positive signs for California, particularly in quarterback Sagapolutele's development—he has thrown 178 consecutive passes without an interception, just seven shy of Jared Goff's school record set in 2015.

For Hawai'i, the victory provides momentum as the program enters Chang's fifth season. Although leading receiver Jackson Harris announced his intention to transfer and did not play in the bowl game, key players including Alejado and Ashlock have indicated they plan to return. The comeback victory against a Power Five conference opponent demonstrates the program's growth and resilience under Chang's leadership.

The Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl will be remembered not just for its dramatic finish, but for what it represents about college football's unpredictability and the never-say-die attitude that defines the sport at its best. For Hawai'i, the victory serves as validation of their progress and a foundation for continued success in the coming seasons.