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.
GAME ODDS
Stanford Cardinal 52.5
Hawai’I Rainbow Warriors – 2.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, August 22, 2025
