Hawaii QB Micah Alejado Mentors Younger Quarterbacks

Sophomore Alejado takes on elder statesman role after injuries and departures of previous backups

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Hawaii quarterback Micah Alejado, who played through multiple injuries in the 2025 season, is now the elder statesman of the quarterback room. With the departure of last year's backup quarterbacks, Alejado is taking on a mentorship role, helping tutor the new first-year quarterbacks Maika Eugenio and Bjorn Jurgensen in passing drills, film sessions, and learning the offense.

Why it matters

Alejado's leadership and experience will be crucial for the Hawaii football team as they look to build on their 2025 season. With a young quarterback room, Alejado's guidance will be invaluable in helping the new signal-callers get up to speed and prepare for the upcoming season.

The details

Alejado played through injuries to his right ankle, left foot, and left (throwing) shoulder for most of the 2025 season. He opted against surgery, instead focusing on rest and physical therapy. Now in spring practices, Alejado is participating in the team's Muscle Beach rehab program to regain his strength and balance. In addition to his own recovery, Alejado is helping tutor the new backup quarterbacks Eugenio and Jurgensen, who both enrolled early at Hawaii. Alejado is guiding them through film sessions, passing drills, and teaching them the intricacies of the offense.

  • Alejado accelerated his studies to graduate early from Bishop Gorman High in 2023 and enrolled at Hawaii in January 2024.
  • Alejado played the maximum 4 games to qualify for a redshirt in the 2024 season.
  • Alejado was the starting quarterback for Hawaii in the 2025 season.
  • At the end of the 2025 season, all three of Hawaii's backup quarterbacks departed the program.
  • Eugenio and Jurgensen enrolled at Hawaii this year after graduating early from high school.

The players

Micah Alejado

The sophomore quarterback for the University of Hawaii, who played through multiple injuries in the 2025 season and is now taking on a mentorship role for the team's new backup quarterbacks.

Maika Eugenio

A true freshman quarterback who enrolled at Hawaii this year after graduating early from Bishop Gorman High School.

Bjorn Jurgensen

A quarterback who joined Hawaii this year after redshirting for one semester at Virginia.

Chad Kapanui

The quarterbacks coach for the University of Hawaii football team.

Timmy Chang

The head coach of the University of Hawaii football team.

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What they’re saying

“The biggest goal is getting my strength back and being able to have (ailments) not hurt.”

— Micah Alejado, Quarterback (hawaiitribune-herald.com)

“Ultimately, I didn't want surgery. I don't want to put anything into my body.”

— Micah Alejado, Quarterback (hawaiitribune-herald.com)

“Micah's teaching them all the little things. I think having Micah on the sideline really helps the quarterbacks because they're new and they're trying to learn the offense as quickly as possible.”

— Chad Kapanui, Quarterbacks Coach (hawaiitribune-herald.com)

“The new group is completely opposite (of last season). Last year, I was the youngest. Now I'm the oldest. Eugenio is a true freshman. Bjorn is in the second semester of college. I'm getting them acclimated because they're still new.”

— Micah Alejado, Quarterback (hawaiitribune-herald.com)

“Micah is doing a great job of mentoring and being accountable and being a leader.”

— Timmy Chang, Head Coach (hawaiitribune-herald.com)

What’s next

As Alejado continues to recover from his injuries, the coaching staff will monitor his progress and determine if he is ready to take on a full workload for the upcoming season. The development of the new backup quarterbacks, Eugenio and Jurgensen, will also be a key focus as they learn the offense and gain experience.

The takeaway

Alejado's leadership and mentorship of the younger quarterbacks will be crucial for Hawaii as they look to build on their 2025 season. His willingness to guide the new signal-callers through the intricacies of the offense and share his own experiences recovering from injuries demonstrates his commitment to the team's success.