The Hawaii Sports Fans Channel

This week, we follow up on last episode’s conversation about the increasingly religious tone around the UH football program and what that means for the team’s identity.

Then we shift to North Dakota State, a program that didn’t move up to the FBS just to be another average mid-major — not after winning 10 FCS national championships since 2011.

That leads us back to the bigger question: what is the actual goal of being a mid-major in today’s college football world? With NIL money harder to raise at our level, and Power 5 benchwarmers getting paid while mid-majors fight for scraps, the gap feels wider than ever.

And with no Group of Six schools in the preseason AP Top 25, it feels like another sign of the times.

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The Boys dig into the Mountain West settlement and why UH’s payout appears to be a lot lighter than fans originally expected. (Which is what we said would happen.)

Instead of a major financial win, Hawaiʻi may be looking at less than half of the rumored number — another reminder that UH can’t afford to just sit back and hope the conference money saves them.

We also hit Mountain West Media Days, the Stanford opener, Micah Alejado’s preseason hype, and Timmy Chang finally getting his extension.

But the bigger question is still hanging over the whole episode: is UH using its limited money in the smartest way possible? Football gets the headlines, but in this new NIL world, maybe the championship path runs through Wahine Volleyball, men’s volleyball, baseball, or the sports where Hawaiʻi can actually become a national problem again.

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Mountain West Media Days are here, but this year comes with a twist: no preseason poll, even as Hawaiʻi quarterback Micah Alejado was named the conference’s Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. We talk about Alejado’s rise, Timmy Chang’s long-awaited extension, and what the new season could mean for UH football.

Then we ask the uncomfortable question: what if Hawaiʻi took $1 million from football and gave it to Wahine Volleyball? UH may never reach the new $5 million revenue-sharing cap for mid-majors, and even if it did, football still feels far away from national-title contention — but with more investment, Wahine Volleyball could realistically chase championships every year like it used to.

We also get into how NIL was supposed to distribute TV money more fairly to players and coaches, but has instead turned into fans being asked to fund the gap.

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University of Hawaiʻi athletics took an important step forward by securing new NIL funding, but the bigger question remains: is it enough to keep UH competitive in the modern college sports landscape? We break down what the funding means, why NIL support matters more than ever, and why Hawaiʻi still faces major challenges compared to bigger-budget programs. From recruiting and retention to travel, facilities, and conference positioning, we discuss what UH needs next if it wants to truly level up. Plus, we go team-by-team through every active UH program and catch you up on the latest around Mānoa athletics.

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Hawaii Men’s Volleyball is chasing the biggest prize in the sport, and we ask whether this is the team that can finish the job and win it all. Along the way, we look at the success of the program’s jersey auctions, including the attention-grabbing “unwashed” twist, and why Hawaii should lean even harder into creative fan engagement. We also discuss Jordan Lucas and the national buzz he brought into Hawaii after turning heads last week. Championship pressure, smart marketing, and star power all collide in this episode. (And we beat the 13th Game drum for UH Football. Again.)

Hawaii hoops just got messy: Laura Beeman is walking away after 14 seasons, and Eran Ganot—on the last year of his deal—was handed another leash by the AD. The boys dig into what these moves mean for both programs.

Plus: UH men’s volleyball is rolling into postseason— is an NCAA berth all but guaranteed?

Come follow the 'Bows all the way to the Natty at UCLA: www.hisportsfans.com, where you can also find your BTS VIP Tours, just as ARIRANG gets kicked off.

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After a quick exit at the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, UH now faces the reality of a sticky coaching situation. Has Eran Ganot done enough to keep his job?

The Volleybows made a statement in Long Beach, winning two matches in two nights, tasting victory for the the first time in over a decade at the Pyramid, Night 2 in straight sets. Why this was huge for many reasons.

The NFL Draft is coming– who we see from Coach Timmy's squad getting that coveted call.

Wow! We had an amazing trip in Portland at the Big Dance and immediately to LA for UH MVB and Dodgers/Angels from the Diamond Club. Make sure you know about our next trip at www.hisportsfans.com/tours.

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The Rainbow Warriors are back in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since Coach Ganot's first year 2016, and the vibe is at a high. Has it been enough to bring the Head Coach back?

We talk realistic upset scenarios, the affect NIL and the Transfer Portal has had, and the moments that could flip the bracket. (The Boys both believe you should only make one.)

Then it's a full UH roundup––from Wahine Basketball to Men's Volleyball, what to look for down the stretch and how you can join Hawaii Sports Fans to see the 'Bows on the road (www.HIsportsfans.com) and even in Portland as they take on Arkansas in the Big Dance.

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The Hawaii Football schedule was finally released, and for another year, there are only 12 games, UH once again not taking advantage of the rule created for them.

Why? And– are the Fans being robbed of more football?

We check in on every active UH program as we prepare for UH MVB and Dodgers on the road with HIsportsfans.com. Make sure you're on the email list!

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Winning 10 of the last 15 national titles at the FCS level, North Dakota State is fast-tracking its transition to the FBS, joining the Mountain West just in time for the 2026 season; so what does this mean for the conference and UH, adding a team that's looking to get into the College Football Playoff as early as next year?

But first, the Boys take you back to the Bay Area to recount one of the best Super Bowl VIP Tours in Hawaii Sports Fans history and to hear what it's like to see your team win it all - like Sean did on Sunday - and why you should book with the company that's been to THE sporting event in America, 10 of the last 12 years. You're not gonna wanna miss all the places we ate at!

Join us on our next trip! Make sure you leave your email at www.hisportsfans.com.

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