Hawaii Football Final

After traveling a conference game-record 4,200 miles in search of their first Mountain West victory of the season, the University of Hawaii football team delivered its most dominant performance of the year, rolling past Northern Illinois 56-21 on Saturday.

The Rainbow Warriors snapped a four-game losing streak with an offensive explosion and a turnover-hungry defense, improving to 2-6 overall and 1-4 in Mountain West play.

In the latest episode of Hawaii Football Final, a Hawaii Sports 2Night production, KHON2 Sports Director Rob DeMello and analyst Rich Miano, a former UH player and coach and 11-year NFL veteran, break down the much-needed victory and what it could mean for the Rainbow Warriors moving forward.

After struggling to find consistency throughout the season, Hawaii’s offense erupted for 504 total yards, led by quarterback Micah Alejado, who threw three touchdown passes.

Wide receiver Frank Abreu hauled in two scoring receptions, while Oahu native Josiah Fetui recorded the first touchdown catch of his collegiate career.

The Rainbow Warriors also established a productive ground attack, rushing for 175 yards on 42 carries. Davon Rice found the end zone twice, while Cam Barfield and TJ Fo’i Lefutu each scored their first rushing touchdowns of the season.

Defensively, Hawaii continued to show signs of improvement, forcing five turnovers to help fuel the runaway victory.

Among the defensive standouts was Jeremiah Hughes, who recorded his third interception over the Rainbow Warriors’ last eight quarters of play.

The 35-point victory provided a much-needed boost for a Hawaii team that entered the contest having lost six of its first seven games.

DeMello and Miano examine the offensive resurgence, the defense’s ability to create turnovers and whether the performance can serve as a turning point for the Rainbow Warriors as they enter the final stretch of the season.

The duo also answers viewer-submitted questions in the popular “HFF Mailbox” segment and looks ahead to what’s next for the ’Bows.

Hawaii Football Final premieres every Sunday at 7 p.m. on the KHON+ app, available on Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire TV.

A television rebroadcast airs Mondays at 10:35 p.m. on KHON2.

An extended podcast edition of the show is also released every Sunday at 7:30 p.m. on most major podcast platforms, including Spotify.

Another missed opportunity left the University of Hawaii football team searching for answers after a 21-10 homecoming loss to Mountain West-leading New Mexico, dropping the Rainbow Warriors to 1-6 overall and 0-4 in conference play.

In the latest episode of Hawaii Football Final, a Hawaii Sports 2Night production, KHON2 Sports Director Rob DeMello and analyst Rich Miano, a former UH player and coach and 11-year NFL veteran, break down another frustrating defeat for the Rainbow Warriors, whose offensive struggles overshadowed a strong defensive performance.

Hawaii appeared poised to pull off an upset after shutting out the Lobos in the first half and forcing three turnovers. The Rainbow Warriors also benefited from 16 New Mexico penalties totaling 145 yards but failed to capitalize on numerous scoring opportunities.

The most glaring issues came in the red zone, where UH managed just one touchdown and one field goal on four trips inside the New Mexico 20-yard line.

The game's defining moment came in the fourth quarter when quarterback Micah Alejado fumbled at the 1-yard line, denying Hawaii a potential two-possession lead.

Instead, the turnover sparked consecutive scoring drives for New Mexico, which scored 21 unanswered points after halftime to complete the comeback and spoil the Rainbow Warriors' homecoming celebration.

Despite a defensive effort that put UH in position to win, the inability to finish drives proved costly once again as Hawaii suffered its sixth loss in seven games.

In this week's episode, DeMello and Miano examine the missed opportunities, discuss the Rainbow Warriors' continued offensive struggles and assess what needs to change as UH looks to turn its season around.

The duo also answers viewer-submitted questions in the popular "HFF Mailbox" segment and looks ahead to what's next for the 'Bows.

Hawaii Football Final premieres every Sunday at 7 p.m. on the KHON+ app, available on Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire TV Stick. A television rebroadcast airs Mondays at 10:35 p.m. on KHON2.

An extended version of the show is also released every Sunday at 7:30 p.m. on most major podcast platforms, including Spotify.

The University of Hawaii football team’s latest loss, a 30-12 defeat at Arizona State, was the focus of the latest episode of Hawaii Football Final, as KHON2 Sports Director Rob DeMello and analyst Rich Miano examined the issues continuing to plague the Rainbow Warriors.

The Rainbow Warriors fell to 1-5 on the season after struggling against the Sun Devils in a nonconference matchup. Penalties, costly miscues and an inability to capitalize in the red zone proved costly once again for Hawaii against the Power Four opponent.

Due to a weekend of travel disruptions returning from the Pacific Northwest to Oahu, DeMello hosted the latest episode in an audio-only format alongside Miano, a former Hawaii player and coach and an 11-year NFL veteran.

The episode also featured the HFF Mailbox segment, in which the hosts answered viewer-submitted questions, and looked ahead to what’s next for the Rainbow Warriors.

Hawaii Football Final is a Hawaii Sports 2Night production that normally streams Sundays at 7 p.m. on the KHON+ app, available on Apple TV, Roku and Fire TV.

An extended version is released Sundays at 7:30 p.m. on podcast platforms, including Spotify.

A television rebroadcast airs Mondays at 10:35 p.m. on KHON2.

The show is scheduled to return to its regular video format next week.

The University of Hawaii football team’s struggles continued Saturday night with a 20-16 loss to San Jose State at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex.The Rainbow Warriors fell to 1-4 overall and 0-3 in Mountain West play after another game in which costly mistakes proved difficult to overcome.

On the latest episode of Hawaii Football Final, KHON2 Sports Director Rob DeMello and analyst Rich Miano broke down Hawaii’s latest setback and examined what went wrong for the Rainbow Warriors.

Miano, a former Hawaii player and coach who spent 11 seasons in the NFL, joined DeMello to discuss San Jose State quarterback Luke Weaver’s return to the islands.

Weaver, who was Hawaii’s backup quarterback in 2025, completed the night with 246 passing yards and two touchdowns without committing a turnover.

Hawaii quarterback Micah Alejado threw for more than 300 yards but was intercepted twice. The Rainbow Warriors also struggled to capitalize on opportunities in the red zone, failing to score a touchdown on two trips inside the 20-yard line.

Penalties were another major issue for Hawaii, which was flagged 12 times in the game.The Rainbow Warriors had one final opportunity to rally in the closing seconds, but their last-ditch effort came up short.With the victory, San Jose State extended its winning streak in the series to six games dating to 2020 and retained the Dick Tomey Legacy Trophy.

The Spartans also remained unbeaten against Hawaii in Mountain West play at 3-0.

DeMello and Miano also answered viewer-submitted questions in the “HFF Mailbox” segment and looked ahead to what is next for the Rainbow Warriors as they attempt to turn around their season.

Hawaii Football Final is a Hawaii Sports 2Night production that airs Sundays at 7 p.m. on the KHON+ app, available on Apple TV, Roku and Fire TV. A television rebroadcast airs Mondays at 10:35 p.m. on KHON2.

An extended version of the show is released Sundays at 7:30 p.m. on major podcast platforms, including Spotify.

The University of Hawaii football team’s frustrating road loss at Wyoming was the focus of the latest episode of Hawaii Football Final, a Hawaii Sports 2Night production hosted by KHON2 Sports Director Rob DeMello and former Rainbow Warriors player and coach Rich Miano.

The Rainbow Warriors fell to Wyoming 27-10, remaining winless in Mountain West play and dropping to 1-3 overall and 0-2 in conference play.

DeMello and Miano broke down a mistake-filled performance in which Hawaii struggled to establish momentum and was unable to capitalize on opportunities.

Trailing 13-3, Hawaii put together a nine-minute, 74-yard drive to open the second half, but the possession ended with a failed fourth-down attempt.

The Rainbow Warriors defense responded with a quick three-and-out, but a penalty on the ensuing punt gave Wyoming new life. Hawaii was penalized for having two players wearing No. 8 on the field at the same time, resulting in an automatic first down for the Cowboys.

Wyoming then turned the extra opportunity into a 99-yard touchdown drive, delivering a pivotal blow to Hawaii’s comeback hopes.

The Cowboys finished with 183 rushing yards, while Hawaii was flagged for eight penalties in the game.

The loss also kept the Rainbow Warriors from bringing home the Paniolo Trophy and extended their winless start to Mountain West play.

During the episode, DeMello and Miano also answered viewer-submitted questions in the “HFF Mailbox” segment and looked ahead to what’s next for the Rainbow Warriors.

Hawaii Football Final premieres Sundays at 7 p.m. on the KHON+ app, available through Apple TV, Roku and Fire TV. A television rebroadcast airs Mondays at 10:35 p.m. on KHON2.

An extended version of the show is released Sundays at 7:30 p.m. on major podcast platforms, including Spotify.

The University of Hawaii football team may have been idle on the field over the weekend, but discussion surrounding the Rainbow Warriors continued on the latest episode of Hawaii Football Final.KHON2 Sports Director Rob DeMello was joined by Hawaii associate head coach and linebackers coach Chris Brown to break down the Rainbow Warriors’ bye week, preparations for Saturday’s road game against Wyoming and answer viewer-submitted questions during the show’s popular “HFF Mailbox” segment.

The episode also featured the 2026 Hawaii football team’s pregame entrance video, which is shown before home games at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. The cinematic production includes the voice of legendary UFC announcer Bruce Buffer and was created by UFC as a gift to the program through Brown’s relationship with the Las Vegas-based organization.

Hawaii Football Final is a production of Hawaii Sports 2Night and premieres every Sunday at 7 p.m. on the KHON+ app, available on Apple TV, Roku and Firestick. A television rebroadcast airs Mondays at 10:35 p.m. on KHON2.

An extended version of the show is released each Sunday at 7:30 p.m. on most podcast platforms, including Spotify.

The Rainbow Warriors return to action Saturday when they travel to face Wyoming.

The University of Hawaii football team is finally in the win column.The Rainbow Warriors earned their first victory of the 2026 season Saturday night, holding off New Mexico State 29-19 in a physical three-phase battle at the Ching Complex.

The victory was the focus of the latest episode of Hawaii Football Final, a Hawaii Sports 2Night production hosted by KHON2 Sports Director Rob DeMello and former Hawaii player and coach Rich Miano, an 11-year NFL veteran.

Hawaii jumped out to a fast start, scoring the first 16 points of the game. Running back Devon Rice found the end zone twice as the Rainbow Warriors built a 19-13 halftime lead.

New Mexico State answered early in the third quarter, tying the game on a fumble return for a touchdown.

The Aggies’ momentum was followed by a frightening moment for Hawaii when quarterback Micah Alejado absorbed a devastating hit. The quarterback stayed in the game and finished with 346 passing yards, continuing to demonstrate the toughness that has become a defining part of his young career.

Hawaii’s lone touchdown pass came from Tama Uiliata, who connected with Frank Abreu on a fourth-down scoring play to give the Rainbow Warriors a late boost and help seal the victory.

The Hawaii defense also came up big, forcing three turnovers, while kicker Sean Olvera-Harle converted three field goals as Hawaii leaned on all three phases to secure its first win of the season.The 29-19 victory moved the Rainbow Warriors to 1-2 on the season and gave the team its first win of 2026.

On Hawaii Football Final, DeMello and Miano broke down the win, examined the key plays and performances, answered viewer-submitted questions in the “HFF Mailbox” segment and looked ahead to what’s next for the Rainbow Warriors.

New episodes of Hawaii Football Final air Sundays at 7 p.m. on the KHON+ app, available on Apple TV, Roku and Firestick. The show is rebroadcast Mondays at 10:35 p.m. on KHON2.

The latest episode of Hawaii Football Final, a production of Hawaii Sports 2Night, breaks down the University of Hawaii football team’s 21-6 home-opening loss to archrival UNLV.

KHON2 Sports Director Rob DeMello is joined by analyst Rich Miano, a former Hawaii player and coach and 11-year NFL veteran, to examine another frustrating offensive performance by the Rainbow Warriors and look ahead to what’s next for the team.

Hawaii’s offense struggled to find a rhythm for the second consecutive game. After managing only limited production for much of its season opener at Stanford, the Rainbow Warriors struggled from start to finish against UNLV.

Dropped passes, penalties and inconsistent pass protection contributed to an off-target night for quarterback Micah Alejado, who completed just 42% of his passes.

While Hawaii’s offense struggled, the Rainbow Warriors defense kept the Rebels within reach for much of the game. UNLV had just 14 points through 55 minutes before breaking the game open late.

Running back Jet Thomas delivered the decisive play, sprinting 50 yards for a touchdown to put the Rebels in control. Thomas finished with 143 yards on 20 carries.

The victory extended UNLV’s winning streak over Hawaii to four games and allowed the Rebels to retain the Island Showdown trophy.

The loss dropped the Rainbow Warriors to 0-2 on the season and provided plenty for DeMello and Miano to discuss, including questions submitted by viewers in the “HFF Mailbox” segment and a preview of what lies ahead for Hawaii.

Hawaii Football Final premieres Sundays at 7 p.m. on the KHON+ app, available on Apple TV, Roku and Fire TV devices. A television rebroadcast airs Mondays at 10:35 p.m. on KHON2.

An extended version of the show is also released Sundays at 7:30 p.m. on most major podcast platforms, including Spotify.

The latest episode of Hawaii Football Final, a production of Hawaii Sports 2Night, breaks down the Rainbow Warriors’ season-opening 37-27 loss to Stanford and looks ahead to what’s next for Hawaii.

KHON2 Sports Director Rob DeMello is joined by Rich Miano, a former University of Hawaii player and coach and 11-year NFL veteran, to analyze the Warriors’ near comeback in the Bay Area, answer viewer questions in the “HFF Mailbox” segment and preview the team’s upcoming matchup.

Hawaii struggled to find its footing offensively early against the Cardinal, punting on eight of its first nine possessions, including six three-and-outs.

The Warriors trailed 14-7 at halftime and 23-7 entering the fourth quarter before mounting a furious rally.

Defensive standout Kona Moore helped spark the turnaround with 10 tackles, including two for loss, as Hawaii’s defense gave the offense an opportunity to get back into the game.

The Warriors then scored 20 consecutive points to take their first lead of the afternoon.

Local products Blaze Kamoku, Kaikai Carvalho and Tama Uiliata combined for 16 receptions, while quarterback Micah Alejado finished with 260 yards passing.

Alejado connected with De’Von Rice on a 29-yard touchdown pass to give Hawaii a 27-23 lead with four minutes remaining.

The comeback, however, unraveled in the final 1:41.

Stanford running back Micah Ford posted his third touchdown rush of the game to put the Cardinal back in front before Punahou graduate Tevarua Tafiti recovered a 31-yard Alejado fumble for touchown to seal the victory.

Stanford finished with a 37-27 win, dropping Hawaii to 0-1 to open the season despite the Warriors’ fourth-quarter surge.

Hawaii Football Final airs Sundays at 7 p.m. on the KHON+ app, available on Apple TV, Roku and Fire TV. A television rebroadcast airs Mondays at 10:35 p.m. on KHON2.

An extended version of the show is also released Sundays at 7:30 p.m. on most major podcast platforms, including Spotify.

The wait is over.

The University of Hawai‘i football team opens the 2026 season Saturday on the road against Stanford, and Hawai‘i Football Final is getting fans ready for kickoff with a special quick preview episode featuring KHON2 Sports Director Rob DeMello and former Rainbow Warrior player and coach Rich Miano.

After an offseason filled with excitement and high expectations, Miano breaks down what makes this year’s team different and why he believes the Rainbow Warriors have the leadership and chemistry to pursue lofty goals in 2026.

“I think the leadership,” Miano said. “When I talk about 2007 being arguably the greatest season in Hawai‘i history, it wasn’t because it was the most talented team. This team does have talent and you can see the athleticism. But what it has when I talk about leadership is you look at a guy like Jamih Otis, Elijah Palmer, Micah Alejado, Cam Barfield, and there are other leaders as well.”

Miano also pointed to the continuity within the coaching staff as another key factor heading into the season.

The Rainbow Warriors return their coordinators, allowing the team to build on the systems, terminology and techniques established a year ago.

“The Braddahhood has really developed that belief in the coaching staff,” Miano said.

Miano believes Hawai‘i is positioned to build on last season’s success, which included nine wins and a Hawai‘i Bowl championship.

The Rainbow Warriors also have recent history against Stanford and other current Pac-12 opponents to draw from. Hawai‘i opened last season against Stanford and closed the regular season against California.

“What they’re doing in almost every aspect of this football program is headed in a positive direction,” Miano said. “I’m anticipating it and I’m expecting a Mountain West championship or at least competing for that.”

The full Hawai‘i Football Final season preview dives deeper into the 2026 Rainbow Warriors, including the expectations surrounding quarterback Micah Alejado, the team’s returning leadership and what it will take for Hawai‘i to compete for a Mountain West championship in its first season in the conference.

Hawai‘i Football Final is a Hawai‘i Sports 2Night production hosted by DeMello and Miano, a former UH player and coach, 11-year NFL veteran and UH Sports Circle of Honor member.

The new season of Hawai‘i Football Final premieres Sunday, August 30 at 7 p.m. on the KHON+ app, available on Apple TV, Roku and Firestick. Each episode is also available on demand following its premiere, with a television rebroadcast Mondays at 10:35 p.m. on KHON2.

Episodes are also available on demand at KHON2.com and YouTube, with an audio version available on Spotify and most other podcast platforms.

Hawai‘i opens the 2026 season against Stanford Saturday at 1 p.m. Hawai‘i time.

For continuing coverage of the Rainbow Warriors throughout the season, stay with KHON2 Sports on air and online.