California vs. Hawaii Opt-Out Tracker, Transfers, Injuries, Starting Lineups, Best Bet for Hawaii Bowl
The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors will take on the Cal Bears in the Hawaii Bowl on Wednesday night in this standalone Christmas Eve game. Peter Alexis analyzes this Cal vs. Hawaii transfer portal and opt-out tracker for Wednesday, December 24th in the Hawaii Bowl.
Peter Alexis - December 24, 2025, 2:00 PM EST
5 Minute ReadCal vs. Hawaii Preview: Who Is Opting-Out, Injured for Hawaii Bowl on Wesnesday, December 24th
The Hawaii Bowl gives us a Christmas Eve matchup defined by momentum, stability, and a meaningful late line move. Hawaii now sits as a -1.5 favorite after opening as a +2.5 underdog, a notable swing driven by growing uncertainty around Cal’s program. The Bears are navigating a coaching transition after firing Justin Wilcox, with Nick Rolovich serving as interim in a unique return to the island. Meanwhile, Hawaii gets this game at home, where the Rainbow Warriors have consistently played their best football.
On paper, Cal still holds a talent edge, but bowl season is often about continuity and motivation. Hawaii brings both. This is a program finishing strong, playing in familiar conditions, and benefiting from roster stability relative to its opponent. The market has responded accordingly, flipping the favorite as bettors side with the team that feels more settled entering kickoff.
Historically, Hawaii has gone 5-4 all time in the Hawaii Bowl since 2002, and while Cal leads the overall series 3-2, the last meeting came back in 2016. This matchup feels less about history and more about where each program stands right now. One team is closing the season with clarity. The other is simply trying to get to the finish line.
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Cal vs. Hawaii Date, Time, and Where to Watch New Orleans Bowl
- Date: Wednesday, December 24, 2025
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- How to Watch: ESPN
Cal vs. Hawaii Odds
Hawaii Bowl | Odds |
|---|---|
Cal +1.5 (-110) | Hawaii -1.5 (-110) |
Cal ML (-105) | Hawaii ML (-115) |
Over 51.5 Total Points | Under 51.5 Total Points |
Click here for the latest Cal vs. Hawaii Odds
Cal vs. Hawaii Opt-Outs Tracker & Injuries
Cal Potential Opt-Outs
- CB Hezekiah Masses
- LB Cade Uluave
Cal Injuries
- RG Sioape Vatikani
- TE Mason Mini
- WR Jordan King
- WR Mark Hamper
- S Isaiah Crosby (hasn’t played since in Week 4)
- OLB Ryan McCulloch (hasn’t played since in Week 4)
- DB Cam Sidney
Cal Coaching Changes
Head coach Justin Wilcox was fired at the end of the season. OC Nick Rolovich took over and will continue to serve as the interim for the bowl in his return to the island. Oregon DC Tosh Lupoi will take over as head coach next season.
Hawaii Transfer Portal
- WR Jackson Harris (49 catches for 963 yards and 12 TDs)
Hawaii Injuries
- LB Jamih Otis
- CB Virdel Edwards II
- WR Nick Cenacle
Cal vs. Hawaii Odds Breakdown - Hawaii Bowl
Cal’s situation is complicated. While QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele is expected to play, the Bears are dealing with a combination of injuries, potential opt-outs, and staff turnover. Multiple contributors on both sides of the ball have either missed time late in the season or are questionable, and the defensive structure in particular faces uncertainty with Tosh Lupoi not yet in place. That lack of continuity can show up quickly against a fast, confident offense.
Hawaii does lose star WR Jackson Harris, who accounted for 12 touchdowns, but the Rainbow Warriors are built to absorb that hit. Their passing offense ranks #7 nationally, and this has been a true next-man-up unit all season. At home, with timing and chemistry intact, Hawaii should still be able to stress Cal’s secondary consistently. The Warriors’ tempo and comfort level in Honolulu have been major factors in their late-season surge.
From a market perspective, this line move matters. We are not guessing here, we are following strong action that has pushed Hawaii through the key number of 0 and made them the favorite. That reflects confidence in Hawaii’s stability, home-field edge, and offensive continuity against a Cal team still adjusting to change.
Cal vs. Hawaii Best Bet
- Pick: Hawaii -1.5 (-110) Check out these best odds on DraftKings Sportsbook
This sets up as a classic bowl spot where stability wins. Hawaii is at home, playing with momentum, and backed by a betting market that has clearly shifted in their favor. Cal’s talent keeps this competitive, but coaching uncertainty, injuries, and roster questions tilt the edge toward the Rainbow Warriors. Laying less than a field goal with the more settled team is the right side on Christmas Eve.
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