LOS ANGELES >> There’s no denying Marcus Mariota is a star in a bright galaxy, gleaming over Hawaii — and beyond. With the Heisman Trophy in hand he has earned his place among the pillars of a golden era full of island sports stars that began early last decade and continues, with much of the fuel now coming from Mariota’s exploits.

It remains to be seen if he will shine as the brightest light of all. His complete story has many more chapters to come, the ceiling of his legacy unpredictable. It’s quite possible we won’t know it for at least another decade.

The next chapter begins to unfold Thursday at the Rose Bowl. Mariota and his Oregon Ducks take on his predecessor in winning the Heisman, Jameis Winston, and the Florida State Seminoles. And then, if Oregon makes good on its status as a nine-point favorite, it is on to Arlington, Texas, and the college football national championship game.

While Heisman winners often don’t fare well after winning the award, just the idea that an athlete from Hawaii could capture college football’s highest honor makes Mariota the face of Hawaii sports.

Local boys Herman Wedemeyer (from Saint Louis School, like Mariota) and Manti Te’o came close enough to touch the Heisman, and University of Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan was a finalist not too long ago.

Although from California, Brennan embraced Hawaii, and Hawaii hugged back. As an impressionable teen in 2008, Mariota saw him lead UH to 12-0 and the Sugar Bowl.

"I loved watching Colt Brennan, I loved watching The Dreadheads (the UH receivers) play in the stadium," Mariota said Tuesday at his final pre-Rose Bowl media appearance. "I love watching Manti Te’o, guys like that."

Te’o, the 2012 Heisman runner-up from Notre Dame and Punahou, met Mariota last summer and keeps in touch via text.

Te’o, now with the San Diego Chargers, seems to be past the bizarre Lennay Kekua fiasco, before which he was viewed as a Mr. Perfect, like Mariota is now. Of course Mariota will have ups and downs, but probably nothing so strange. Regardless of any of that, Mariota said he views Te’o as a trailblazer for him and others.

"He just said enjoy the (Heisman) process and stay true to yourself and always remember where you come from. It’s kind of the same thing that Shane (Victorino) says to me."

Victorino is a two-time MLB All-Star and World Series winner, and a big brother and spiritual leader of the Hawaii team sports stars who have made it on the huge stages recently.

The galaxy of all-time island greats of this generation also includes individual sports superstars like decathlete Bryan Clay, golfer Michelle Wie and the late surfer Andy Irons. Baseball player Kolten Wong may be on the verge of membership, too.

As it is for many of the stars of this ongoing golden era, Mariota’s final place in history remains a mystery. But with a Heisman Trophy in hand, he’s playing with house money heading into the first day of 2015 and another date with destiny.

Reach Dave Reardon at dreardon@staradvertiser.com or 529-4783. His blog is at hawaiiwarriorworld.com/quick-reads.