Reserve quarterback Jeremy Higgins will miss the rest of the University of Hawaii football season because of a fracture in his left (throwing) hand.

As a fifth-year senior, Higgins’ college career has ended.

In accordance with NCAA rules, Higgins redshirted in 2011 after transferring from Utah State following his freshman season.

Because he played in the fourth game this season, Higgins is not eligible for a medical hardship or second redshirt year that would extend his career to six seasons.

"It’s really a tough deal and we feel really badly for Jeremy," coach Norm Chow said in a news release. "He’s the consummate teammate and team leader who worked really hard in his career to get to where he’s at. It’s very unfortunate, but Jeremy will still be around the team, serving as a student assistant. He wants to get into coaching, and this will be a good start for his career."

As the No. 2 quarterback behind starter Ikaika Woolsey, Higgins wore headsets on the sideline during the game, relaying calls from Chow and quarterback coach Jordan Wynn.

Higgins replaced Woolsey in the second half of the past two games. Higgins started the second half of what would be a 21-12 loss to Colorado on Saturday. Higgins said he landed awkwardly during a fourth-quarter sack.

He remained in the game for two more plays before conceding the pain in his left hand affected his throwing.

After the game, Higgins was told he suffered a fracture in his left hand — a diagnosis that was confirmed on Monday.

Higgins said he will learn on Wednesday if surgery will be required.

As a Saint Louis School senior in 2009, Higgins started ahead of Marcus Mariota, now a Heisman Trophy candidate at Oregon. He signed with Utah State in February 2010 and played in two games that season before transferring to UH.

Higgins played well in spring training this year, forcing a tie with Woolsey atop the depth chart. But Higgins suffered an injury to his Achilles’ heel on the final play of the spring game. He was limited in conditioning drills this summer.

After Woolsey was awarded the starting job in training camp, Higgins and Taylor Graham were bracketed at No. 2. Higgins served as the primary backup the past weeks.

Graham, who begin his college career at Ohio State, is now the sole No. 2 quarterback.

Beau Reilly, who has been on scout team this season, will be promoted to No. 3 quarterback.

There are two other quarterbacks on UH’s roster — Max Wittek and Eric Prater.

Wittek, who transferred from USC in August, must redshirt this season. Prater also is on track to redshirt.

The Warriors have a bye this weekend. Their next game is against Rice on Oct. 4 in Houston.