HONOLULU -- University of Hawaii football head coach Greg McMackin confirmed on Friday that Brent Rausch will be the starting quarterback for the Warriors.

Rausch is 6 feet 4 inches tall and 180 pounds. He is a junior college transfer from California. He played at College of the Desert in Palm Desert, Calif., for two years.

Coaches felt he had the leadership and ability the team needed to win.

"The most important thing is that he got better every week," McMackin said.

McMackin said all three quarterbacks will still take reps because coaches have not decided who the backup will be.

"He never went backwards, and that's why we think his future is ahead of him," McMackin said.

Coach told the team on Thursday about his decision.

"I had an adrenaline all day yesterday," Rausch said. "It feels good. I've just got to get better and don’t slow down."

Rausch said he planned to come to Hawaii and learn.

"I didn't expect it to be this year. I thought maybe next year," he said.

Rausch said the two others vying for the starting job, juniors Inoke Funaki and Greg Alexander, were happy for him.

Some of the wide receivers said they are happy that it is over and they can focus on routes and timing. However, they said they thought all three were good players.

First up for the Warriors is No. 5 Florida. UH has to travel to "The Swamp" in Gainesville on Aug. 30. It is considered one of the toughest places for a road team to play.

"I don't think he's going to be scared at all," McMackin said. "He's just that kind of guy."

"I love it; I can't wait. Yeah, you can't help but feel a little nervous, but," Rausch said.

Rausch follows Heisman Trophy finalist and two-time WAC Player of the Year Colt Brennan, who now plays for the Washington Redskins.