CFB-FBS: Stanford Cardinal (0-0) vs. Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors (0-0)

Game Details

• Matchup: Stanford vs. Hawai‘i
• Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
• Time: 7:30 PM ET
• Location: Honolulu, HI
• TV: CBS

Team Breakdown

Stanford Cardinal

• 2024 Record: 3–9 (ACC)
• Head Coach: Frank Reich (interim; former NFL HC)
• Key Players:
  • QB Ben Gulbranson: Oregon State transfer with 2,648 career yards
  • RB Micah Ford: Returns after 309 yards in 2024
  • WR Room: Rebuilt via transfer portal after losing top targets
• Strengths:
  • Experienced QB with Power Five pedigree
  • Offensive line expected to be physical
• Concerns:

• Ranked 116th in scoring defense last year
• Secondary remains vulnerable to deep shots

Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors

• 2024 Record: 5–7 (Mountain West)
• Head Coach: Timmy Chang (4th year)
• Key Players:
  • QB Micah Alejado: Freshman phenom with 469 yards, 5 TDs in 2024 finale
  • WRs: Jackson Harris (Stanford transfer), Pofele Ashlock, Nick Cenacle
  • DBs: Virdel Edwards II, Peter Manuma return from injury
• Strengths:
  • Explosive passing game with elite slot talent
  • Linebackers among best in MWC
• Concerns:

• Penalties and turnovers plagued 2024
• Run defense still inconsistent

Matchup Analysis

• Storylines:
  • Stanford opens the Frank Reich era with a culture reset
  • Hawai‘i seeks first win over a Power Four team since 2019
  • Revenge angle: Stanford beat Hawai‘i 37–24 in 2023 opener
• X-Factor:
  Stanford’s secondary vs. Alejado’s vertical attack. If the Cardinal corners can’t hold up, Hawai‘i could control tempo and momentum.
• Wild Card:
  Gulbranson’s poise in a hostile road environment. If he avoids early mistakes, Stanford’s physicality could wear down Hawai‘i’s front seven.

Betting Angle

Why: Despite being road underdogs, Stanford’s transfer-heavy roster and Reich’s NFL-caliber preparation could give them the edge in a close, high-scoring affair. Expect momentum swings and late drama.