HONOLULU — Citing a lack of available players, the Hawaii football program announced Thursday it will not participate in the EasyPost Hawaii Bowl against Memphis on Christmas Eve.

A cancellation of the bowl game itself was announced shortly thereafter.

UH reportedly had a COVID outbreak of more than 20 cases within the program this week. That followed several player defections to the transfer portal following the 2021 regular season. UH also cited season-ending injuries as part of the attrition.

The nationally televised game was less than 24 hours away from kickoff; it was to take place at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex on the UH Manoa campus at 3 p.m. Friday.

"The health and safety of our student-athletes is the most important part of this decision," said athletic director David Matlin in a statement. "The recent surge in COVID-19 cases has forced us to not participate in the game. We are disappointed for our players, coaches, and fans. ESPN and the EasyPost Hawai'i Bowl staff did everything they could for us and we appreciate their valiant effort throughout the week. We want to thank the Memphis Tigers for making the long trip to Hawaii. We are disappointed we can't compete on the football field."

UH finishes the year at 6-7.

"We are disappointed our season has to end this way," UH coach Todd Graham said in a statement. "As competitive as we are and as much as we want to play the game, we cannot put the health and safety of our student-athletes at risk."