LAS VEGAS – The University of Hawai'i football team was picked seventh in the Mountain West Preseason Poll as selected by the league's media Wednesday at the start of the conference's two-day media days event at the Circa Resort and Casino.
 
In addition, receivers Pofele Ashlock and Nick Cenacle were named to the preseason team, marking the first time UH had multiple selections since 2021, when three Rainbow Warriors were honored. Ashlock enters his junior season with 1,461 career receiving yards and 15 touchdowns in his two seasons in Mānoa while Cenacle led the team in receptions (63) and receiving yards (721) last year and has career totals of 1,072 receiving yards and 92 receptions in three seasons.
 
Ashlock and Cenacle are the only returning wide receiver duo in the country to each have 1,000 career receiving yards at their current school.
 
Ashlock and linebacker Jamih Otis are representing Hawai'i in Las Vegas. Otis, a Las Vegas native who prepped at Bishop Gorman High School, led the team in tackles last season with 55, including 39 solo.
 
The Warriors enter Year 4 under head coach Timmy Chang, who has compiled a 13-25 career record at his alma mater. Chang has guided UH to consecutive five-win seasons and are seeking their first bowl appearance since 2021. Hawai'i returns a total of 14 starters (6 offense, 7 defense), including honorable mention honorees defensive backs Peter Manuma and Elijah Palmer.
 
Boise State was the Mountain West's preseason favorite, garnering 35 of 39 first place votes and 464 total points. UNLV received the other four first place votes and 415 points followed by San Josè State (359), Colorado State (326), Fresno State (301), Air Force (280), UH (213), San Diego State (202) Utah State (165), Wyoming (150), New Mexico (84), and Nevada (83).
 
UH opens Fall Camp on Wednesday, July 23, and will open the 2025 season with a nationally televised game against Stanford, Saturday, Aug. 23 at the Clarence T.C. Ching Complex. 
 
2025 Mountain West Predicted Order of Finish
Rk. Team (first-place votes) – Points
1. Boise State (35) – 464
2. UNLV (4) – 415
3. San José State – 359
4. Colorado State – 326
5. Fresno State – 301
6. Air Force – 280
7. Hawai'i – 213
8. San Diego State – 202
9. Utah State – 165
10. Wyoming – 150
11. New Mexico – 84
12. Nevada – 83