The Fresno State Bulldogs will visit the Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors on Saturday night in Honolulu. This is the first Mountain West Conference game for these teams during the 2025 season and both teams will look to begin conference play with a win. Before kickoff in paradise on Saturday night, keep reading to get my thoughts on this game, including my Fresno State vs Hawai’i prediction.
Our Fresno State vs Hawai’i Pick
- Pick: Fresno State -3
- Confidence: ★★★★☆
- Get Your Bonus Bets: Bet $5 and get $200 in bonus bets INSTANTLY using our DraftKings Sportsbook bonus. Click the Claim Bonus button below to start!
Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly + Over $200 Off NFL Sunday Ticket
Gambling Problem? Call or TEXT 1-800-Gambler 21+ 
Gambling Problem? Call or TEXT 1-800-Gambler 21+
Promo Code: Click To Claim
Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly + Over $200 Off NFL Sunday Ticket
Gambling Problem? Call or TEXT 1-800-Gambler 21+
Promo Code: Click To Claim
Gambling Problem? Call or TEXT 1-800-Gambler 21+
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Fresno State Bulldogs vs Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors
- Date & Time: Saturday, September 20, 2025, 11:59 PM ET
- Venue: Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex, Honolulu, HI
- Broadcast: Spectrum Sports
Key Storylines
- Fresno State’s Offensive Surge: The Bulldogs have displayed a balanced offensive attack, combining a potent passing game led by quarterback E.J. Warner with a strong rushing attack led by Bryson Donelson. In their recent game against Southern, they amassed 507 total yards and converted eight of 10 third downs.
- Hawai’i’s Resilient Defense: The Rainbow Warriors’ defense has been a cornerstone of their success, allowing just 11 rushing yards in their last game against FCS Portland State. But their offense has struggled to find its footing on a consistent basis and that could be a problem for them again here.
- Travel and Environmental Factors: Fresno State’s travel to Honolulu could impact their performance, as cross-country trips often affect energy levels and execution. Hawai’i will look to capitalize on this advantage in front of their home crowd.
Quarterback Play
- E.J. Warner (Fresno State): Warner has been efficient, completing 71 of 98 passes for 716 yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions. He needs to do a better job of keeping the football out of harm’s way if Fresno State is going to win this game and move another step closer to bowl eligibility.
- Luke Weaver (Hawai’i): Weaver has stepped in admirably as the starting quarterback, throwing for 600 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions. He will look to get better as the Hawai’i signal caller as he gains more experience orchestrating their offense.
Betting Trends & H2H
- Fresno State is 3-1 straight up and 3-1 against the spread to open the season.
- Hawai’i is 2-1 ATS through four games.
- Three of Fresno’s first four games have gone over their totals in 2025.
- Hawai’i has seen two of its three games stay under their totals this year.
Fresno State vs Hawai’i Model Projection
Score Projection: Fresno State 31 – Hawai’i 24
Win Probability: Fresno State 61.6%, Hawai’i 38.4%
Final Thoughts
I am interested to see how Fresno State holds up given the travel demands of a game at Hawai’i. I don’t think the travel will impact them too badly and I will take the Bulldogs to win this game and cover the spread as a favorite on the road. Fresno’s passing attack should help them to improve to 4-1 and 1-0 in Mountain West Conference play.
