With less than three weeks until spring training camp opens, the University of Hawaii football team is strengthening its 2025 roster by adding veteran talent.
Over the past five weeks, the Rainbow Warriors have brought in eight players from the transfer portal and junior college ranks, including three defensive standouts expected to make an immediate impact.
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Among them is Roosevelt graduate and former Utah defensive end Kaeo Akana. The pass rusher, a Cover2 Kreutz Award winner and Polynesian Bowl participant, initially committed to UCLA but ultimately chose to return home.
Akana expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play in front of family and reconnect with former teammate Jackie Johnson III.
“I’m grateful for the coaching staff for giving me this opportunity. Playing in front of my family is a big plus, and reuniting with Jackie is a huge motivation. I’m ready to show what we’re capable of as a football team.”
'It’s time to defend the rock' – Roosevelt grad, Utah transfer Ka'eo Akana returns home to play for Rainbow Warriors as the former #Cover2 award winning pass rusher is one of eight transfer portal additions for Hawai'i football ahead of training camp starting on February 3… pic.twitter.com/UktXQbSUz2
— Rob DeMello (@RobDeMelloKHON) January 15, 2025
Reflecting on his journey, Akana shared his growth through the transfer process:
“I’ve seen a lot of different places, and I’m grateful for those experiences. But home is home. It’s time to defend the rock and get to work. The talking is over—it’s time to prove ourselves.”
Akana, who has two seasons of eligibility remaining, has been training in the offseason with former UH captain Jonah Kahahawai-Welch and Markus Lawrie-Kimura of the Hustl Era.
The Rainbow Warriors will open spring training camp on Feb. 3.
2025 Transfer Portal offseason additions (post signing-day)
DE Ka’eo Akana – Utah
DL Luther McCoy – Minnesota
DL De’Jon Benton – UNM/USC
WR Brandon White – Kentucky
WR Jackson Harris – Stanford
SAF Tim Malo – Brown
LS Jax Thompson – TCU
K Caleb Sempebwa – TCU
Junior College Transfer:
QB Luke Weaver – Modesto