Rainbow Warrior football 2026 matchups announced

UH Mānoa's 12-game schedule includes six home games and six road games.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa football team's 2026 season schedule has been updated by the Mountain West conference. The new matchups include the addition of North Dakota State to the league, with the Rainbow Warriors set to host the Bison at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. UH Mānoa will also take on new Mountain West members Northern Illinois and UTEP in 2026.

Why it matters

The updated schedule provides a glimpse into the future of UH Mānoa's football program, which is looking to build on its recent success in the Mountain West conference. The addition of North Dakota State, a perennial FCS powerhouse, will be a significant test for the Rainbow Warriors.

The details

The Rainbow Warriors' 2026 schedule includes six home games and six road games. In addition to hosting North Dakota State, UH Mānoa will welcome New Mexico, San Jose State, and UNLV to Honolulu. The team will travel to Nevada, Northern Illinois, UTEP, and Wyoming. UH Mānoa has never faced both Northern Illinois and North Dakota State, but the Rainbow Warriors hold an 18-13 series advantage over UTEP from their time in the Western Athletic Conference.

  • The updated conference opponents for the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa football team's 2026 season were announced on February 24, 2026.
  • The Rainbow Warriors will host North Dakota State at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in 2026.

The players

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

The public research university located in Honolulu, Hawaii, which fields the Rainbow Warriors football team.

Mountain West

The collegiate athletic conference that the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa football team competes in.

North Dakota State

A new member of the Mountain West conference, known for its successful FCS football program.

Northern Illinois

A new member of the Mountain West conference, which the Rainbow Warriors will face for the first time in 2026.

UTEP

A new member of the Mountain West conference, and a longtime rival of the Rainbow Warriors from their time in the Western Athletic Conference.

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The takeaway

The updated 2026 schedule for the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa football team showcases the program's continued growth within the Mountain West conference, including the addition of several new opponents that will provide new challenges for the Rainbow Warriors.