One of Hawaii’s Biggest Stars Won’t Play In Season Opener

Hawaii's star wide receiver, Pofele Ashlock, will miss the team's season opener against Stanford due to a knee injury. Coach Timmy Chang informed ESPN of the news just before the game began. Ashlock had been grappling with this knee injury since the start of fall camp. He reported feeling better but was unable to participate in contact drills.

Despite this setback, there was a glimmer of hope that Ashlock would be ready for the opener. Ashlock is in his senior year and has dedicated his entire college career to Hawaii. He has been the team's leading receiver for the past two seasons, recording 61 receptions in 2024 and 76 in 2025. Additionally, Ashlock ranked second in the team's receiving yards last season, tallying 827 yards and setting a new Hawaii Bowl record with 14 receptions for 123 yards and two touchdowns in the game against California.

He was also named second-team All-Mountain West and awarded the Hawaii Bowl Most Valuable Player last season. His contributions led the Rainbow Warriors to a 9-4 record, the most victories for the program since going 10-5 in 2019.