Logan Taylor’s story at the University of Hawaii is one of perseverance, leadership, and deep connection to the Rainbow Warriors spirit, a spirit visually represented by the iconic Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Uniforms. Arriving in Manoa in 2019 after a year at El Camino College, Taylor’s initial years were marked by challenges, shaping him into the impactful player and leader he would become, embodying the pride associated with donning the Rainbow Warriors uniform.
Taylor’s early years were far from smooth. Joining as a reserve defensive back and special teams player in 2020, followed by an injury-ridden 2021, tested his resolve. “Man, those first few years, they were rough for me,” Taylor reflected. It was during this period of adversity that Taylor found a deeper purpose, a foundation that would later fuel his leadership both on and off the field, much like the values represented by the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors uniforms worn by generations of players. “In those rough years, that is when I hit my rock bottom. I was on the verge of not playing football anymore.”
These trials acted as a crucible, forging Taylor into the leader he was destined to be. “Those two years were like my refining process, where I was in the fire, being forced into the man God called me to be,” he explained. This transformation mirrors the journey of many who have proudly worn the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors uniforms, facing challenges and emerging stronger, embodying the team’s resilient identity.
2022 marked Taylor’s breakout season. He played in all 13 games, leading the team with an impressive 85 tackles, including 49 solo tackles and four tackles for loss. Starting at linebacker for six games, Taylor achieved double-digit tackles each time, highlighted by a 16-tackle performance against Colorado State. This remarkable consistency made him the first UH player in 21 years to achieve six straight double-digit tackle games. This on-field excellence began to establish Taylor as a key figure, a player who wore the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors uniform with distinction and impact.
Alt text: Close up of Logan Taylor in action wearing a Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football uniform, showcasing the team’s colors and logo, during a game.
Following his stellar 2022 season, Taylor’s leadership qualities were formally recognized as he was voted team captain for the 2023 season. “When I first came to Hawai’i, I had a list of goals. One of my goals was to become team captain,” Taylor shared. Becoming captain was a profound honor for Taylor, a privilege he deeply valued, connecting it to the legacy of leadership associated with the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors program. “For me, being a team captain was one of the greatest privileges I will probably ever have. That’s something I take very seriously,” he emphasized. “That’s something I want to be able to pass down to my kids. That I strove, as hard as I could, to be a leader, an example, someone of influence. So that I could be a good influence to the guys next to me. To be voted captain, that’s one of the greatest things I’ve accomplished.”
Poised for another impactful season in 2023 as team leader, Taylor’s journey faced another hurdle. After 21 tackles in the first three games, disaster struck in the form of a torn ACL against Albany, abruptly ending his season. “It was crazy because, you know, like, in my flesh it was frustrating. But more than anything, it was a blessing,” Taylor reflected, demonstrating the resilience and perspective that defines his character and his representation of the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors uniform. This setback, while devastating, provided another opportunity for growth and leadership in a different capacity. “In that whole (rehab) process, I was able to learn, I was able to get closer to God in my relationship. I was able to see the field, see the game from a different perspective. I was able to lead in a way that I never led before off the field, being a mentor, being someone that could uplift people.”
Remarkably, Taylor’s recovery exceeded expectations, allowing him to return for his final season in 2024. Through 13 weeks, he has been a consistent presence, back on the field, proudly wearing the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors uniform once more. “I am grateful to be back playing with my brothers. Man, I would do this 10 more times if I could. It is just a blessing to be here,” Taylor expressed. His gratitude and appreciation for his time as a Rainbow Warrior are palpable. “There’s literally nothing like this. It’s bittersweet knowing this is my last rodeo, but I’m grateful. So grateful, man,” he continued. “These five years have been the greatest blessing of my life. I’m proud to be a UH Warrior. I’m proud to be a leader. I’m proud to be able to play on this field, I’m proud to have all these guys I can call my brothers, all these coaches that I can call my brothers. This is something that is beyond my wildest dreams. I am beyond grateful for this place. This is my home, you know, like I can’t put into words how much I love this place, how much it changed me, how much it provided for me and my family, the relationships on the field, off the field, that I’ve come to know out here.”
Logan Taylor’s contributions, both in his performance while wearing the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors uniforms and in his leadership off the field, have earned him recognition as a candidate for the prestigious Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award. His journey embodies the spirit and resilience associated with the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors and their iconic uniforms, representing more than just football, but a community and legacy.
