Isaac Johnson Petitioning for Fifth Season!

Isaac “Big Fish” Johnson

After his lone season at UH, Isaac “Big Fish” Johnson has announced his petition for a fifth season of eligibility, but he will need a waiver to be eligible for the ‘26-27 season.

Another bombshell has been dropped on the University of Hawaiʻi Men’s Basketball team this off-season!

On Tuesday, April 14, Isaac Johnson announced on social media that he is petitioning the NCAA for a fifth season of eligibility. It was once thought that Johnson would enter the transfer portal, but he confirmed to the Star Advertiser that he will not.

Johnson, who got married this past summer in the islands, was a vital piece to the front court and a quality 3-point shooter this past season! He went for a whopping 25 points against Manhattan in the Rainbow Classic semifinal and guided UH to some critical victories, including a home win over UC Irvine on Jan. 10. He had a big second half in both the home win and their road loss to Irvine on Jan. 29.

Isaac Johnson Dunk

Isaac “Big Fish” Johnson makes an authoritative slam dunk over North Dakota on Nov. 28.

Johnson completed his eligibility, so he will need a waiver to be eligible for the 2026-27 season. Johnson also confirmed to the Star Advertiser that if his waiver is rejected, he will look to play professionally overseas.

My reaction: I did NOT see this coming! Johnson really proved to be a fan favorite with his “Big Fish” chomping clap during his introductions and during gameplay! NCAA waivers can go either way, but UH has had good luck in that department. Just ask Juan Munoz and Wāhine Basketball player McKenna Haire (now McKenna Desrosiers)! Injuries ended Munoz’s first two seasons at UH and Haire’s 2021-22 season. If it worked for Munoz and Haire, Isaac Johnson should be no different, right?