Optimism around University of Hawaii football is the highest it has been in years, good news for a fan base that lived through a rough stretch.

• This season feels like 2018–2019, the last time the program was building toward a breakout year.
• Coach Timmy Chang is in year five and looks settled, with a stable staff and a clear offensive identity after finding a quarterback who fits the system.
• The turnaround follows the Todd Graham era, when local star players left and the program lost its connection to the community.
• Kanoa Leahey will call football, women's volleyball, and soccer this fall, carrying on a family broadcasting line started by his grandfather Chuck and father Jim.
• His approach: heavy hand-built preparation over AI shortcuts, and letting big moments breathe so the crowd tells the story.

Outlook: Fall camp is underway and expectations are high for the season opener.