Honolulu, Hawaii — The Rainbow Warriors of Hawaii kicked off their 2025 season with an exhilarating 23-20 triumph against Stanford on Saturday, marking an electrifying conclusion to Week 0 of college football. The decisive moment came when kicker Kansei Matsuzawa nailed a 38-yard field goal as time expired, granting Hawaii its first victory over a Power Five opponent since 2019.

Entering the match, Hawaii faced a daunting challenge, having lost their previous nine encounters with Power Five teams. The Cardinal had historically dominated this matchup, leading 4-0 prior to Saturday. Stanford initially surged ahead, establishing a 10-0 lead midway through the first quarter, which included a defensive score by Wilfredo Aybar that showcased the Cardinal’s formidable defense.

Micah Alejado emerged as a standout player for Hawaii, throwing for 210 yards and securing two touchdowns during his second start at quarterback. Despite suffering an ankle injury early in the third quarter, Alejado demonstrated relentless determination, guiding his team to victory without leaving the field.

On the opposing side, Stanford running back Micah Ford also made an impression, rushing for 113 yards on 26 carries and contributing a significant touchdown. This score was particularly noteworthy, as it marked the first rushing touchdown for Stanford’s running backs in over a year, breaking a streak of futility.

Stanford’s loss further extended its struggles on the road, marking six consecutive defeats away from home, the team’s worst streak since 2002. This defeat hit hard after a disappointing 2023 season, while Hawaii celebrated snapping its ongoing difficulties against the Cardinal, which included a loss in their last encounter.

While Stanford’s season opener ended in disappointment, Hawaii reflected on a strong start, having now won 22 of its last 27 season-opening games. Several players contributed to the success, including wide receiver Pofele Ashlock, who caught nine passes for 69 yards and a touchdown, helping Alejado connect with eight different receivers throughout the game.

Adding to the drama, Jackson Harris, a former Stanford player, made his presence felt by catching Alejado’s second touchdown pass just before halftime, a highlight that bolstered Hawaii’s confidence and momentum going into the latter part of the match.

As the season progresses, both teams face pivotal challenges. Hawaii’s victory sets a positive tone for its future games, while Stanford seeks to regroup and build on lessons learned from this early setback. Both teams will look to refine their strategies as they aim for success in the competitive landscape of college football.