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The Hawaii football team had an unlikely hero in its season opening win over Stanford. Starting kicker Kansei Matsuzawa connected on game-tying and game-winning field goals in the final minutes of regulation.
The Rainbow Warriors secured a massive win over a Power 4 opponent thanks to Matsuzawa’s efforts. He spoke on the performance after the fact.
“I’m kind of nervous right now,” he said while addressing the media. “More than when I kicked the game-winning field goal.
“Speaking English is tough, but yeah, I enjoyed it. I enjoyed the moment. And when we gave up the second touchdown to Stanford, I was like, ‘Oh, this is gonna be my game.'”
Hawaii Kicker Kansei Matsuzawa saying he’s more nervous speaking in English than kicking a game-winner.
A huge kick to give the ‘Bows the 23-20 win over Stanford #HawaiiFB I @RobDeMelloKHON I @khon2SportsTV I @KHONnews pic.twitter.com/rSSAHheOHO
— Mitch Riberal (@Mitch_Riberal) August 24, 2025
Who is Kansei Matsuzawa?
The kicker hails from Japan and grew up playing soccer. He took a liking to football after making an international trip to the US.
The interest eventually led to a move to the States where he’s now developed into a D1 kicker.
Matsuzawa is in Year 2 with the Hawaii football program following a stint at the JUCO level. Last season, he connected on 12 of his 16 field goal attempts and each of his 32 extra points.
He kicked his 2025 campaign off with a bang vs. the Cardinal.
Matsuzawa went 3-for-3 on field goals. Two came in high-pressure situations.
With less than four minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Rainbow Warriors trailed 17-14. An interception set up the game-tying opportunity, which he hit from 37 yards out.
He then won the game as time expired with a 38-yard boot.
素晴らしい!!!
Kansei called game 😤#BRADDAHHOOD x #GoBows pic.twitter.com/mitoa5d01T
— Hawaii Football (@HawaiiFootball) August 24, 2025
The kicker learned how to play football on YouTube.
As previously noted, he grew up playing soccer. His interest in football blossomed a handful of years ago, which led him to learn more about the game.
More from FOX Sports:
Five years ago, then 21, Matsuzawa began to learn how to kick a football by watching YouTube videos following his move to the United States from Japan. Matsuzawa, who played high school soccer in Japan, became interested in football following a previous trip to the United States, leading to his international move.
Kansei Matsuzawa graduated high school in 2017. He made it his goal to become a college football kicker thereafter.
That dream has now become a reality.
Kansei Matsuzawa is from Tokyo, where at age 20 he was a waiter at a Morton’s Steakhouse.
On a vacation to the US he saw a NFL game. Returned home and taught himself to place kick via YouTube videos.
Convinced Hocking College in little Nelsonville, Ohio to let him come and…
— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) August 24, 2025
Despite the lack of experience, he was confident in his abilities on Saturday night, even after a rough showing in his final practice.
“All the coaches and the team [were] kind of worried about me, I think,” Matsuzawa told reporters. “But I never lose my confidence. It was like, after practice, my legs are already dead. … But after [those] misses, it is what it is, and just I focused on like the next play, and I execute.”
Hawaii will continue its football season next weekend with a matchup against Arizona. The kicker will likely be called upon again as the Rainbow Warriors pursue a 2-0 start.