All eyes are on Micah Alejado and the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors as they host the Stanford Cardinal in Week 0 action.
Expectations are high for the Timmy Chang era, and Hawaii has a great chance to capitalize against a beatable Power 4 opponent.
See why I’m backing the home team with my Stanford vs. Hawaii predictions and college football picks for Saturday, August 23.
Stanford vs Hawaii prediction
Stanford vs Hawaii Best bet: Hawaii -1.5 (-115)
The Stanford Cardinal and Hawaii Rainbow Warriors are in a similar boat in that this was supposed to be the year where it all came together after respective multi-year rebuilds.
Emphasis on the was for Stanford, however, after a disastrous offseason in which its head coach (Troy Taylor) was fired and much of the roster’s talent left via the portal, including the two clear top players on both sides of the ball (Emmett Mosley and David Bailey).
As for Hawaii, the Run-n-Shoot offense has a great chance of clicking now that budding star Micah Alejado takes the reins at quarterback. At 5’10”, he was overlooked by bigger programs, but he flashed tremendous ability by throwing for 469 yards, five touchdowns, and no interceptions in the season finale.
Star receivers Pofele Ashlock and Nick Cenacle return, along with three offensive linemen, so this group has tremendous potential. The defense seems improved at all three levels and did a good job of bottling up explosive plays (ranking 35th) a year ago.
If it doesn’t happen now for Hawaii, then it never will under Timmy Chang. They won three of their last five games last year and have a beatable Week 0 opponent.
Stanford vs Hawaii same-game parlay
Stanford will likely employ a slow, ground-heavy offensive approach that keeps the clock ticking in an effort to control tempo and keep Hawaii’s potent offense off the field when possible. Sixth-year senior Ben Gulbranson doesn’t inspire confidence at quarterback (15 TDs, 10 INTs in his career), and neither do the wide receivers.
Hawaii led the nation in pass rate last year, so Alejado will have every chance to throw for a good chunk of yardage, especially with a veteran and talented receiving group.
Our deep-ball SGP: Aloha Alejado
Cenacle finished last season strong with 348 receiving yards in his last four games (averaging 87 ypg) and should have a monster year with Alejado leading the offense, and it doesn’t hurt that Stanford’s two best corners have been missing practice time leading up to the game.
Stanford vs Hawaii odds
- Stanford vs. Hawaii spread: Hawaii -2.5
- Stanford vs. Hawaii moneyline: Stanford -120, Hawaii +100
- Stanford vs. Hawaii Over/Under: 50.5
Stanford vs Hawaii betting trend to know
Hawaii has covered the spread in five of its last six games at home. Find more college football betting trends for Stanford vs Hawaii.
How to watch Stanford vs Hawaii
| Location | Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex, Honolulu, HI |
| Date | Saturday, August 23, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | CBS |
Stanford vs Hawaii latest injuries
Stanford vs Hawaii weather
Monitor gametime conditions with our College football weather info.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
