In the lobby of the Oregon athletic department's Hatfield-Dowlin Complex is displayed the Heisman Trophy won in 2014 by former UO quarterback Marcus Mariota.
The trophy is mounted on a base containing names and imagery representing Mariota's roots in Hawaii and the greater Polynesian community. Arrayed around the trophy are eight black marble benches, in the shape of the Hawaiian islands.
Through Mariota and his exploits as the Ducks' starting quarterback from 2012-14, Oregon and Hawaii are indelibly linked. Come September, that connection will be on full display in Autzen Stadium.
On Sept. 16 of this upcoming season, the UO football team will wrap up its nonconference schedule by hosting the Rainbow Warriors at 5 p.