In Week 5 of the 2026 regular season, the San Jose State Spartans will travel to face the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu, HI. The game is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2026, and will kick off at 11:59 PM, making it a night game under the lights. Fans can catch the action on MW+ as both teams look to improve their standings within the Mountain West Conference.

The San Jose State Spartans enter this game with an even record of 2-2, with one win each at home and on the road. Their recent performances include a 26-10 loss to Fresno State and a 30-20 victory over Cal Poly. As the Spartans step onto the field, they aim to showcase their strengths and secure a crucial road win.

Meanwhile, the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors hold a 1-3 record this season, with a 1-1 mark at home. Their lone win came against New Mexico State, a game they won 29-19. As they return to their home stadium, the Rainbow Warriors will seek to leverage their home-field advantage to turn their season around.

Hawaii vs San Jose State At a Glance (Week 5)

  • Game Date and Time: Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 11:59 PM
  • Venue: Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu, HI
  • TV Broadcast: MW+
  • San Jose State Record: 2-2 overall, 1-1 on the road
  • Hawaii Record: 1-3 overall, 1-1 at home
  • Odds: San Jose State +120, Hawaii -145; Spread Hawaii -3

Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Aim to Shine Against the Spartans

Offensive Overview

The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors have had a mixed start to the season, currently standing at 1-3. Their offense has been moderately effective, with a notable 47th rank in passing yards, accumulating 1031 yards. However, their rushing game needs improvement, as they rank 127th with just 333 yards.

Quarterback Micah Alejado has been a key player, showcasing his passing abilities with 1017 yards in four games. He has completed three touchdown passes but also has one interception, indicating areas for growth. The receiving corps, led by Tama Uiliata and Kainoa Carvalho, supports Alejado with a combined total of 415 receiving yards.

Defensive Performance

On the defensive side, the Warriors have allowed 104 points, placing them 74th in this category. They show promise in pressuring quarterbacks, with six sacks ranking them 12th. Their defense also excels in forcing turnovers, having recovered two interceptions, placing them 3rd in this category.

The defense will aim to maintain their aggressive stance in the upcoming game, leveraging their strength in forcing errors. Ha'aheo Dela Cruz, despite being questionable due to an undisclosed injury, has been a significant presence on the defensive line.

Key Players and Strategy

Running back DeVon Rice is a crucial part of the offense, having rushed for 242 yards and scored three touchdowns. His ability to catch passes, evidenced by 64 receiving yards, adds versatility to the team's offensive strategy. Sitani Mikaele provides additional depth with 67 rushing yards and a touchdown.

With several key players on the injury list, including Oakie Salave'a and Pofele Ashlock, Hawaii will need its depth to step up. The team will rely on its passing game, with Alejado and his receivers needing to connect effectively against the Spartans' defense.

Home Game Advantage

Playing at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex has been beneficial for the Warriors, where they hold a strong home record. Their historical performance as home favorites is impressive, with an 80% win rate in their last 20 games.

This game presents an opportunity for Hawaii to capitalize on their home field advantage and improve their season standing. The fans' support will be a crucial factor as they aim to secure a victory against San Jose State.

Team Betting Trends

  • SU - As Favorite: Last 20 Games (2020–2026) → 16-4 (80.0%)
  • ATS - Home Games: Last 12 Games (2024–2026) → 10-2 (83.3%)
  • SU - After Loss: Last 7 Games (2024–2026) → 6-1 (85.7%)
  • ATS - After Loss: Last 7 Games (2024–2026) → 6-1 (85.7%)
  • SU - Home Games: Last 10 Games (2024–2026) → 8-2 (80.0%)

San Jose State Spartans Prepare for Tough Road Game

Offensive Overview

The San Jose State Spartans have shown a robust passing attack this season, ranking 46th nationally with 1,032 passing yards. Quarterback Luke Weaver has been pivotal, leading the team with 143 passing attempts and 1,032 passing yards, both ranking 10th and 30th, respectively. Weaver has accounted for 9 passing touchdowns, showcasing his ability to find the end zone.

On the ground, running back Jabari Bates has been the primary option, rushing for 413 yards over four games. Despite his efforts, the Spartans rank 84th in rushing yards, indicating room for improvement. Bates' contributions have been significant, but the team will need a more balanced attack to enhance their offensive output.

Defensive Insights

Defensively, the Spartans have been strong in certain areas, ranking 11th in sacks with 7 and 5th in interceptions with 4. This indicates their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks and create turnovers. However, they have struggled to recover fumbles, with no recoveries so far, an area that could use improvement.

The team has conceded 109 points in the regular season, positioning them 77th in points against. This suggests that while they can disrupt passing games, there may be vulnerabilities in their overall defensive strategy. Improving their run defense could be crucial in future games.

Key Players to Watch

Wide receivers Carson Clark and Cooper Hoch have been standout performers, each recording 3 receiving touchdowns and over 230 receiving yards. Their ability to make plays will be crucial in extending drives and putting points on the board. Additionally, Jerry McClure and Anthony Ivey have contributed to the receiving corps with crucial receptions.

On special teams, kicker Trajan Sinatra has been reliable, converting 7 field goals and 8 extra points. His consistency can be vital in tight games where every point matters. His role will be crucial in providing the Spartans with scoring opportunities from long range.

Upcoming Challenges

The Spartans are set to face the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors in an away game. Given their 3.0-point underdog status, they will need to rely on their passing game to overcome the odds. The total for the game is set at 51.5, indicating expectations for a competitive outing.

Following the Hawaii game, San Jose State will host the Wyoming Cowboys. This game presents an opportunity to leverage their strong home record and capitalize on their offensive strengths. The team will need to maintain focus and execution in both upcoming games.

Team Betting Trends

  • SU - As Favorite: Last 28 Games (2022–2026) → 22-6 (78.6%)
  • SU - Home Games: Last 27 Games (2022–2026) → 19-8 (70.4%)
  • ATS - Away Games: Last 26 Games (2021–2026) → 17-9 (65.4%)
  • O/U - After Loss: Last 23 Games (2022–2026) → 15-8 (65.2%)
  • O/U - As Favorite: Last 7 Games (2025–2026) → 5-2 (71.4%)

Hawaii vs San Jose State Week 5 Prediction: Hawaii -3.0

The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, coming off a recent loss, have proven to be strong at home, particularly against the spread. Their record of 10-2 ATS in their last 12 home games is a testament to their capability to bounce back. Additionally, Hawaii shows a strong trend of success after a loss, holding a 6-1 record both straight up and against the spread in similar situations.

On the other hand, the San Jose State Spartans have struggled on the road and are coming off a loss as well. While they have a decent ATS record away, Hawaii's home advantage and past performance in similar scenarios give them the upper hand. The Rainbow Warriors' ability to win and cover the spread at home makes them the more reliable choice here.

Hawaii's offensive strength, particularly in their passing game, is expected to shine against San Jose State’s defense. With San Jose State's defense ranking 77th in points allowed, Hawaii's offense has the potential to capitalize on this weakness. This sets the stage for Hawaii to cover the spread as the favorite.

Taking all factors into account, including Hawaii's strong home performance and response after losses, betting on Hawaii to cover the -3.0 spread appears to be the prudent choice. Expect the Rainbow Warriors to leverage their home field advantage to secure a win and cover the spread.

  • Hawaii vs San Jose State Prediction: Hawaii -3.0
  • Hawaii vs San Jose State Score: Hawaii 31 - San Jose State 21

Disclaimer: Knup Predictions are for entertainment and informational purposes only. Must be 21+ where applicable. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Stay Ahead

Get more picks and sports insights in your inbox

Subscribe to the Knup newsletter for weekly CFB previews, sports business notes, and ecosystem updates.