What was widely speculated became reality Thursday when Ikaika Woolsey was named the starting quarterback for the University of Hawaii football team.

A competition that began in spring training and intensified in this month’s training camp was resolved when first-year head coach Nick Rolovich picked the Rainbow Warriors’ most experienced quarterback. Woolsey, a fifth-year senior, is the only quarterback on the roster who has played in an NCAA football game.

Rolovich emphasized that “games played doesn’t matter here,” and that freshman Cole McDonald had an equal chance when training camp opened on Aug. 1.

“The team deserves the best chance to win right now,” Rolovich said. “We felt Ikaika gave us that. … I thought Ikaika was executing the little things in the offense most consistent. The leadership he brought, especially through the summer and fall camp, was good.”

Woolsey has had seven offensive coordinators since joining the Warriors in January 2012. But he appears to have adjusted to the hybrid offense that includes elements of run-and-shoot, read-option and run-pass-option schemes.

“I had to break some habits from the old offenses, but in this offense, I feel real comfortable,” Woolsey said.

Craig Stutzmann, the quarterbacks coach and pass-game coordinator, said Woolsey has progressed since the offense was implemented in March.

“To his credit, he’s done a good job of extra meetings and really honing the craft,” Stutzmann said of Woolsey. “When he’s in there, the ball is moving forward. He’s been making good decisions. He’s been doing a good job for us.”

Rolovich said the other two finalists, Aaron Zwahlen and Dru Brown, are expected to continue competing for playing time.

“I told those guys they’d better be nipping at (Woolsey’s) ankles,” Rolovich said. “If they don’t do that, we’re not a better football team. They need Ikaika to be the best he can be, and if they end up being better than him at some point in the year, we can make that change. Right now, we feel Ikaika has done enough to earn this right to lead us in Australia.”

The Warriors depart Saturday ahead of the Aug. 26 (Hawaii time) opener against California in Sydney.

Rolovich said the other quarterbacks — Cole Brownholtz, McDonald and Beau Reilly — have a chance to rejoin the rotation. “I don’t care who it is, they’re in competition until they graduate to be the best they can be,” Rolovich said.

FOOTBALL ROSTER

Offense:

Left tackle: 1) Dejon Allen. 2) Matt Norman

Left guard: 1) Elijah Tupai. 2) JR Hensley

Center: 1) Asotui Eli. 2) John Wa‘a

Right guard: 1) Leo Koloamatangi. 2) Chris Posa

Right tackle: 1) RJ Hollis. 2) Kingjames Taylor

Tight end: 1) Dakota Torres. 2) Metuisela ‘Unga

Z receiver: 1) Marcus Kemp. 2) Isaiah Bernard, Keelan Ewaliko

X receiver: 1) Ammon Barker. 2) Devan Stubblefield, Makoa Camanse-Stevens

Slotback: 1) John Ursua. 2) Dylan Collie

Quarterback: 1) Ikaika Woolsey. 2) Aaron Zwahlen, Dru Brown

Running back: 1) Diocemy Saint Juste, Paul Harris. 3) Steven Lakalaka, Ryan Tuiasoa

Defense:

End: 1) Makani Kema-Kaleiwahea. 2) Tevarua Eldridge

Nose tackle: 1) Kory Rasmussen. 2) Penitito Faalologo, Samiuela Akoteu

Tackle: 1) Zeno Choi. 2) Ka‘aumoana Gifford, Viane Moala

End: 1) David Manoa. 2) Meffy Kaloamatangi

Sam linebacker: 1) Malachi Mageo. 2) Dany Mulanga, Jeremiah Pritchard

Mike linebacker: 1) Jahlani Tavai. 2) Solomon Matautia

Will linebacker: 1) Russell Williams Jr., Jerrol Garcia-Williams. 3) Ikem Okeke

Cornerback: 1) Jalen Rogers. 2) Cameron Hayes

Safety: 1) Trayvon Henderson. 2) Damien Packer

Safety: 1) Daniel Lewis. 2) Austin Gerard

Cornerback: 1) Jamal Mayo. 2) Rojesterman Farris II

Specialists

Placekicker: 1) Rigo Sanchez. 2) Alex Trifonovitch

Punter: 1) Rigo Sanchez. 2) Alex Trifonovitch

Kickoff returner: 1) Keelan Ewaliko. 2) Paul Harris

Punt returner: 1) John Ursua. 2) Dylan Collie

Long snapper: 1) Noah Borden. 2) Brodie Nakama

Short snapper: 1) Brodie Nakama. 2) Noah Borden