The University of Hawai‘i capped a remarkable 2025 Sheraton Hawai‘i Bowl with a dramatic 35–31 victory over the California Golden Bears, sealing the win on a 22-yard touchdown pass with just 10 seconds remaining.

After falling behind 21–0 in the first half, the Rainbow Warriors rallied behind freshman quarterback Micah Alejado, who engineered the comeback, all while enduring multiple injuries. Backup QB Luke Weaver stepped in late in the 4th Quarter and delivered the decisive strike to Nick Cenacle, stunning the sellout crowd and completing one of the most memorable finishes in program history.

Hawai‘i tied its largest comeback ever, matching past rallies against Michigan State and Washington, while earning its ninth win of the season and first nine-win campaign since 2019. Alejado threw for 274 yards and three touchdowns, with Pofele Ashlock hauling in two scores and setting a Hawai‘i Bowl record with 14 catches.

The victory marked UH’s ninth bowl win, highlighted a breakthrough season under head coach Timmy Chang, and served as a fitting bookend to a year defined by resilience and late-game heroics.