As a longtime follower of college football with a particular soft spot for the University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, I’ve got to say, looking at their 2023 season schedule gets me genuinely excited—and a little nervous. There’s something special about this program, and this year’s lineup of games feels like a real turning point. I remember watching them battle through some tough seasons, but the energy around the team now is different. Let’s dive into what’s ahead, and I’ll share my take on where they might shine or stumble.
First up, the season kicks off at home against Vanderbilt on August 26. That’s a pretty challenging opener, especially against an SEC opponent. I’ve always believed that starting strong sets the tone, and facing a team like Vanderbilt right out of the gate will test Hawaii’s preparedness. Last season, the Rainbow Warriors showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency, particularly on defense. If they can tighten up their secondary and control the clock with their run game, I think they’ve got a shot at an upset here. Personally, I love these early tests—they separate contenders from pretenders right away.
Then there’s the stretch of away games in September, including matchups against Oregon and Washington. Now, those are two powerhouses, and I’ll be honest: winning either would be a monumental task. But as someone who’s followed college football for years, I’ve seen crazier things happen. The key for Hawaii will be minimizing turnovers and leveraging their special teams. I recall watching them pull off an unexpected road win back in 2019, and it came down to a few clutch plays. This year, with a more experienced roster, they might just keep it closer than people expect. Still, I’m predicting losses in both—but competitive ones that build character.
One thing that stands out to me about this schedule is the balance between home and away games. Hawaii plays six home games this season, which is huge for morale and fan engagement. I’ve been to a game at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex, and the atmosphere is electric. When the Rainbow Warriors host San Jose State on October 14, I expect a packed house and a potential statement win. Rivalry games like the one against Fresno State on November 4 are what college football is all about. I’ve got a soft spot for these matchups—they’re gritty, emotional, and often decide bowl eligibility.
Looking at the middle of the schedule, Hawaii faces a mix of conference opponents like Nevada and UNLV. This is where I think they can rack up some wins. Nevada, for instance, is rebuilding, and Hawaii’s offense—if they can maintain rhythm—should dominate. I remember analyzing their stats from last season: they averaged around 24 points per game but gave up nearly 32. That defensive gap has to close. In my view, games like these are must-wins if they want to finish above .500. And let’s not forget the showdown with Air Force on November 18. Their triple-option offense is a nightmare to defend, but Hawaii’s linebackers have the speed to contain it—if they stay disciplined.
As we move into late November, the matchup against Colorado State on the 25th could be a sleeper hit. Both teams will likely be fighting for bowl positioning, and I’ve always found these late-season games reveal a team’s true grit. Hawaii’s quarterback play will be critical here; if they can avoid interceptions and sustain drives, I’m confident they’ll pull it off. Wrapping up the regular season at home against Army on December 2 is a fitting finale. Army’s ground-and-pound style contrasts sharply with Hawaii’s spread offense, making for a fascinating chess match. I’m leaning toward a Hawaii win here, mostly because home-field advantage in December is a real thing—just ask anyone who’s watched a game in the islands.
Reflecting on the full slate, I see a schedule that’s demanding but full of opportunity. The Rainbow Warriors have a chance to surprise people, especially if they stay healthy and capitalize on those home games. From my perspective, hitting seven or eight wins is achievable, though it’ll require stepping up in key moments. I’ve followed this team through ups and downs, and what I love most is their resilience. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this season promises plenty of drama and excitement. So mark your calendars—it’s going to be a ride worth watching.