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California (7-5) at Hawai’i (8-4)
- When: Dec 24 2025, 8:00 PM
- Where: Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex, Honolulu, HI
- Where to watch: ESPN
- Last Meeting: California 51-31, August 26th, 2016
California vs Hawai’i Preview & Prediction
Spread: Hawai’i -1.5
Moneyline: Hawai’i (-115)
Total: 51.0
California Golden Bears Betting Preview
Cal arrives in Honolulu like a team that accidentally booked a vacation during an identity crisis. New coach. New vibes. Same wildly talented quarterback who everyone is desperately trying not to lose to the transfer portal. Jaron Keawe Sagapolutele is the headline act, the local kid returning home with a cannon arm, a calm demeanor, and enough hype to power a small island.
Cal’s season has been weird, emotional, and occasionally chaotic. One week they are upsetting ranked teams and celebrating bowl eligibility. The next week the head coach is packing his office while everyone pretends that everything is totally fine. The Golden Bears are basically running on vibes, talent, and the belief that quarterbacks from Berkeley tend to turn out pretty well historically.
Sagapolutele has been the stabilizer. As a freshman, he played like someone who already knows where his statue might go someday. Cal will rely on him heavily, especially with a coaching staff that is juggling future planning and present survival at the same time.
The concern for bettors is consistency. Cal has shown the ability to score quickly, but they have also shown the ability to disappear offensively for long stretches. On a neutral island field against a motivated home crowd, that volatility matters.
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Betting Preview
Hawaii enters this bowl like it owns the place. Because it kind of does. Home island. Holiday crowd. Familiar air. And a quarterback who is every bit as confident as his opponent on the other sideline.
Micah Alejado has been outstanding, especially for a freshman. Calm in the pocket. Fearless throwing deep. Completely unfazed by pressure. Hawaii has leaned on him to push tempo and keep defenses honest all season, and he has delivered.
The Rainbow Warriors also thrive on chaos. They play fast. They play loose. They score in bunches. And they absolutely love dragging opponents into shootouts that feel more like backyard football than structured game plans.
Bovada oddsmakers have Hawaii favored by 1.5, which feels like a respectful nod to home field advantage without fully committing. The total sits at 51.0, suggesting points but not insanity. That feels low for a game featuring two fearless freshman quarterbacks who grew up throwing footballs instead of sleeping.
Betting Outlook and Final Prediction
This game screams momentum swings, trick plays, and emotional energy. Cal has the bigger name quarterback. Hawaii has the comfort and crowd. When things get weird, teams that feel at home usually benefit.
Expect points. Expect mistakes. Expect at least one moment where everyone forgets it is Christmas Eve.
Hawaii’s tempo and familiarity give them the edge late, especially if the game turns into a fourth quarter sprint.
Final Score: Hawaii 28, Cal 24
Lean: Hawaii -1.5
Total: Over 51.0
- NCAA Football Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
