Cal Seeks Historic Redemption in 2025 Hawaii Bowl Clash

The California Golden Bears face the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors this Wednesday. The Hawaii Bowl kicks off at 5 p.m. PT in Honolulu. This matchup is a rare sequel to a game played 91 years ago.

Cal arrives with momentum after a stunning upset. The team looks to cap a resurgent season with an eighth win.

Echoes of History Shape Modern Showdown

The teams first met on January 1, 1935. That game capped a difficult season for Cal. According to historical reports from the Associated Press, coach Bill Ingram had resigned after a loss to Stanford.

The 1934 Bears then traveled to Hawaii by ship. They lost both games on their trip, finishing 6-6. The current Bears hope to rewrite that ending.

New Leadership Fuels Current Momentum

History has repeated in one key way. Both then and now, Cal entered this game with a new head coach. Nick Rolovich is the current interim leader after Justin Wilcox’s firing.

Under Rolovich, Cal upset No. 25 SMU to end the regular season. The victory secured their bowl eligibility. It also ignited fan excitement for the future under newly hired head coach Tosh Lupoi.

The program’s direction feels positive. A bowl victory would solidify that momentum. It would be their first eight-win season since 2019.

This Hawaii Bowl is more than a postseason game. It is a chance for Cal to correct a historical footnote. A win would mark a definitive new chapter for the program.

Thought you’d like to know

Q1: When was the last time Cal played Hawaii in football?

The last meeting was the historic first game on January 1, 1935. Hawaii won that contest 14-0. Wednesday‘s Hawaii Bowl is the first matchup since.

Q2: Who is coaching Cal for the Hawaii Bowl?

Offensive analyst Nick Rolovich is serving as interim head coach. He took over after Justin Wilcox was fired. New permanent head coach Tosh Lupoi will lead the team next season.

Q3: What is significant about the 1935 Cal team?

That squad traveled to Hawaii by ship, not plane. They lost their game to Hawaii 14-0. The trip followed a disappointing season and a coaching change.

Q4: How did Cal qualify for this bowl game?

Cal finished the regular season with a 7-5 record. A key upset victory over ranked SMU secured their bowl eligibility. The Hawaii Bowl selected them to face the Rainbow Warriors.

Q5: What does a win mean for Cal’s program?

A victory would give Cal eight wins this season. That hasn’t happened since 2019. It would provide strong momentum for new coach Tosh Lupoi.