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Hawaii Stuns California with Last-Minute Bowl Victory

12/25/2025

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Hawaii Wins Bowl

Hawaii Rainbow Warriors beat the California Golden Bears 35-31 in the 2025 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl on December 24 in Honolulu.
Hawaii quarterback Micah Alejado threw a touchdown pass to Nick Cenacle with 10 seconds remaining to seal the victory.
California, 7-5, was led by interim coach Nick Rolovich and sought its first bowl win since 2019.
The victory marked Hawaii's 11th Hawaii Bowl appearance and Cal's first.

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Sagapolutele's Bowl Return

California Golden Bears quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele returns to Honolulu for his first bowl game, the 2025 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl vs. the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors.
Sagapolutele averaged 307.3 passing yards in his last three games, signaling a strong finish.
He faces a Hawaii defense that allowed nine yards per attempt, indicating a favorable matchup.
After Justin Wilcox was fired, interim coach Nick Rolovich shifted focus to Sagapolutele, signaling a larger role.

History

Historical Context

The Sheraton Hawaii Bowl has a rich history, with the 2006 game marking a significant victory for the Hawaii Warriors, who defeated Arizona State 41-24, led by quarterback Colt Brennan's record-setting performance. In 2025, Hawaii secured its 11th bowl appearance, showcasing the program's sustained success and the critical role of strong quarterback play in shaping college football strategies.

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Hawaii Wins Bowl

Hawaii Rainbow Warriors beat the California Golden Bears 35-31 in the 2025 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl on December 24 in Honolulu.
Hawaii quarterback Micah Alejado threw a touchdown pass to Nick Cenacle with 10 seconds remaining to seal the victory.
California, 7-5, was led by interim coach Nick Rolovich and sought its first bowl win since 2019.
The victory marked Hawaii's 11th Hawaii Bowl appearance and Cal's first.

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