Hawaii Punter Billy Gowers Enters Transfer Portal Ahead of 2026 Season

The University of Hawaii football team faces another offseason transition as punter Billy Gowers has officially announced his decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal. This marks the third consecutive year the Rainbow Warriors will be searching for a starting punter. Gowers, who is 29 years old, made a significant impact during his time with the team, setting a program record with an impressive average of 46.24 yards per punt.

Reflecting on his experiences in Hawaii, Gowers expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “I had such a great time in Hawaii,” said Gowers, who hails from Australia. He joined the Warriors as a freshman in July and emphasized the welcoming nature of the program. “The players and the coaches were such a great introduction into a new sport and the college scene. Living in Hawaii for six months and getting introduced to the people and culture, it was amazing.”

Gowers is motivated by the pursuit of a professional football career and believes playing in a larger conference could enhance his prospects. The Mountain West Conference, which Hawaii has been part of since 2012, is undergoing changes with the departure of five schools and the planned addition of UTEP and Northern Illinois in 2026. Furthermore, the Warriors have been utilizing the Ching Complex as a temporary home venue while awaiting the construction of a new facility to replace Aloha Stadium.

The punter acknowledged that age is a significant factor in his decision to transfer. “I’m older than a lot of college kids,” Gowers stated, highlighting the urgency he feels as he aims to maximize his time in the sport. “My clock is running out, obviously, as being a professional athlete. You only have a limited amount of time where your body can suffice with the demands.”

Gowers began his football journey relatively late, not participating in organized games until the Warriors’ 2025 season opener in August. He remarked on his training with Prokick Australia, a program that assists Australian athletes in transitioning to American football. Gowers was encouraged by his father to pursue this path, leading him to meet with Nate Chapman, Prokick’s director and head punting coach.

In 2024, another Australian punter, James “Thor” Rendell, accepted a scholarship offer from Hawaii but later chose to sign with Notre Dame instead, reportedly securing a six-figure deal through the university’s name, image, and likeness program. Gowers clarified that financial incentives did not primarily influence his decision to transfer. “There’s money in college football, but it’s not the crux of my decision,” he said, emphasizing that his reasons were multifaceted.

As Gowers prepares for this new chapter, he leaves behind a legacy at Hawaii, where he became known for his powerful punting abilities. He demonstrated versatility by executing punts behind a shield of blockers as well as left-footed punts that can reach distances up to 70 yards. His performance earned him a national ranking of 10th in punting average.

The search for a new punter will now commence for the Rainbow Warriors as they look to fill the void left by Gowers. His contributions to the team and the experiences he gained during his time in Hawaii will undoubtedly shape his future in professional football.