The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Rainbow Warrior football team is making headlines as ESPN projects them as a potential participant in the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP). This early recognition comes after a stellar 2025 season and puts the Rainbow Warriors in the No. 12 spot—a position that could earn them an automatic playoff berth.
Head Coach Timmy Chang and Athletics Director Matt Elliott both stress that hard work and preparation are more important than any projection. The Rainbow Warriors are set to face formidable opponents like Stanford and Arizona State, which could really help their postseason résumé.
Early Projections and National Attention
On January 22, ESPN released its preliminary outlook and projected the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Rainbow Warriors as the top-ranked Group of Six conference champion. That would currently secure an automatic berth in the College Football Playoff field.
Ranked No. 12, the Rainbow Warriors are sitting among teams from the nation’s power conferences. This is an exciting acknowledgment for the players and the program, but it’s important to remember that projections are just that—projections. The real work happens on the field, said Head Coach Timmy Chang.
The team knows that despite the early buzz, they have to keep earning their success through tough preparation and performance. It’s not lost on anyone that the work starts long before the season opener.
A Breakthrough 2025 Season
All this attention from ESPN follows a breakthrough 2025 campaign under Coach Timmy Chang. The Rainbow Warriors finished 9-4, capped by a thrilling win in the Hawaiʻi Bowl.
They snagged significant victories against power-conference opponents, which definitely boosted their national profile. ESPN’s projection pointed to the Rainbow Warriors’ tough schedule as a possible advantage in the Group of Six race.
Stanford and Arizona State are both on the docket for 2026. Those matchups could really help their postseason case, especially as they compete for a conference title in a reconfigured Mountain West Conference.
Challenging Schedule Ahead
The 2026 season won’t be easy. The Rainbow Warriors will face Stanford and Arizona State, two power-conference teams that could make or break their playoff hopes.
These games will test the team’s mettle and give them valuable experience as they chase a conference title. This kind of early attention brings visibility to our University and reflects the momentum we’re building, said Athletics Director Matt Elliott.
The team starts spring practice in February. Their first game of the 2026 season will be on the road against Stanford on August 29.
Potential Playoff Matchup
ESPN’s playoff projection has the Rainbow Warriors possibly opening the postseason on the road against USC—one of college football’s legendary programs. That would be a wild high-profile stage for Hawaiʻi to show what they’ve got.
Of course, final playoff selections depend on what happens on the field, conference championships, and committee rankings. The Rainbow Warriors know that while it’s nice to be projected, their real shot comes down to actual performance.
Building Momentum and Visibility
This early recognition from ESPN brings a lot of visibility to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. It’s a sign of the growing buzz around Hawaiʻi’s football program and UH Mānoa Athletics in general.
We understand there are still countless hours of preparation ahead of the team before a down is played next season, but it speaks to the growing excitement surrounding Hawaiʻi’s football program and UH Mānoa Athletics overall, said Athletics Director Matt Elliott.
Spring Practice and Season Opener
The Rainbow Warriors start spring practice in February, which gives them a chance to fine-tune strategies and build chemistry. These sessions will be crucial with such a demanding schedule ahead.
UH Mānoa opens the 2026 season on the road at Stanford. Facing a strong opponent right out of the gate will be a serious test, but it’s also a chance to make an early statement.
Conclusion
The ESPN projection just put the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Rainbow Warrior football team in the national spotlight. They’re being recognized as a possible participant in the 2026 College Football Playoff.
Honestly, that’s a nod to all the work and grit the team showed during the 2025 season. But let’s be real—the hardest part is still ahead.
They’ve got a tough schedule lined up. Facing Stanford and Arizona State won’t be a walk in the park.
These matchups give the Rainbow Warriors a real shot to boost their postseason résumé. There’s also a chance to chase a conference title if things go their way.
Spring practice is coming up, and everyone seems focused on earning it all on the field. Early recognition is great—sure, it brings some buzz and maybe extra pressure—but the real goal is making it count when it matters most.
If you’re curious, you can check out more details in the full article on the University of Hawaiʻi News website.
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