Stanford, Hawaii Open 2025 Football Season in Honolulu

The 2025 college football season begins with a Week Zero matchup between Stanford and Hawai‘i at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex, televised nationally on CBS. Stanford, now in the ACC under interim head coach Frank Reich and general manager Andrew Luck, aims to rebound from four consecutive 3–9 seasons with quarterback Ben Gulbranson leading a revamped offense. Hawai‘i, coached by Timmy Chang in his fourth year, returns 14 starters and is optimistic about redshirt freshman quarterback Micah Alejado, who impressed in limited action last season. Both teams enter with tempered expectations but renewed optimism, with Hawai‘i emphasizing defensive experience and offensive weapons Pofele Ashlock and Nick Cenacle. The game is highly anticipated locally, with near sellout attendance and national exposure on Prime Time Network, adding pressure and excitement for the Warriors to perform. Stanford’s struggles on defense and offense last season contrast with Hawai‘i’s balanced attack, setting the stage for a competitive season opener.