The University of Hawai’i football team marked the end of its 2025 season with the Alec Waterhouse Memorial Awards Banquet held at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai’i. The event took place one day after the team secured a 27-7 win over Wyoming to close out its regular season.
Senior players were recognized for their performances during the year. Landon Sims was named Offensive Most Valuable Player, Peter Manuma received Defensive MVP honors, and Kansei Matsuzawa was selected as Special Teams MVP.
Sims, a running back from Gig Harbor, Washington, led the team in total touches and scrimmage yards, recording 147 touches for 778 yards and five touchdowns. He also posted a team-high 523 rushing yards and averaged over five yards per touch.
Manuma, a safety from ‘Ewa Beach, O’ahu, started all 12 games this season and has started in 42 out of 48 games during his four-year tenure. He finished with a team-leading 72 tackles along with 4.5 tackles-for-loss and five pass breakups.
Matsuzawa, a kicker from Tokyo, Japan, gained attention by tying the NCAA record for consecutive field goals to start a season (25) and setting new records for both UH and the Mountain West Conference with 26 straight field goals made overall. His total of 25 field goals this season is also a program record.
The Ben Yee Most Inspirational Award was shared by defensive linemen Jackie Johnson III and Tariq Jones. Johnson led the team in sacks with 7.5 while Jones contributed 22 tackles and two sacks.
Freshman receiver Titan Lacaden received the Offensive Scout Team award, while junior defensive back Riis Weber earned recognition on defense. Captain’s awards went to senior defensive lineman De’Jon Benton and senior linebacker Jalen Smith.
Other award recipients included:
– Captains Award: De’Jon Benton, Jalen Smith
– Defensive Scout Team: Riis Weber
– Offensive Scout Team: Titan Lacaden
– Ben Yee Most Inspirational Awards: Jackie Johnson III, Tariq Jones
– Special Teams MVP: Kansei Matsuzawa
– Defensive MVP: Peter Manuma
– Offensive MVP: Landon Sims
