Stanford will be missing a key piece of their offensive line during the team's season opener against Hawaii on Saturday. According to a report from ESPN's Pete Thamel, Stanford left tackle Niki Prongos will be out with an undisclosed injury. Prongos is a fifth-year offensive lineman entering his second season with Stanford.
After transferring from UCLA ahead of the 2025 season, the Bay Area native was the only offensive lineman to start in all 12 of Stanford's game. With Prongos in the offensive line, Stanford running backs Micah Ford and Cole Tabb won ACC Running Back of the Week honors. Prongos also contributed to an offensive line that helped Stanford quarterback Ben Gulbranson throw 444 yards in a comeback victory over San Jose State on Sept. 27.
Gulbranson's 444 yards is the third-most in Stanford program history. Stanford will not be the only team missing one of its key players in the season opener on Saturday. Hawaii will be without star wide receiver Pofele Ashlock, who is reportedly out with a knee injury.
Ashlock was a 2025 second-team All-Mountain West selection and is among Hawaii's leaders in receptions for the past two seasons. He was also named the Hawaii Bowl Most Valuable Player after catching a Hawaii Bowl-record 14 passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns. Additionally, Ashlock led the nation with 20 first down receptions on third downs last season.
Stanford and Hawaii will kickoff tonight at 7 pm ET at Stanford Stadium.
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