BREAKING: California freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has just announced his commitment to remain with the Golden Bears following the hiring of new head coach Tosh Lupoi. This critical decision comes amid uncertainty after the firing of former coach Justin Wilcox last month, and it significantly impacts the team’s future.
In a statement released earlier today, Sagapolutele expressed his joy at staying with the program: “After spending time with my family, a lot of prayer and many discussions, I have come to realize that Cal is the best place for me.” The quarterback, who made headlines for throwing for at least 200 yards in all 12 games this season, is a beacon of hope for the Bears moving forward.
Just yesterday, Lupoi traveled to Hawaii to meet with Sagapolutele shortly after his introductory press conference, solidifying the new coach’s commitment to retaining key talent. Sagapolutele’s decision comes on the heels of a standout season where he threw for an impressive 3,117 yards, totaling 17 touchdown passes and earning multiple accolades, including ACC Rookie of the Week four times.
The impact of Sagapolutele’s commitment cannot be understated. As the only power conference player to begin a career with 12 straight games of at least 200 yards, he has set a high bar for performance. “We are very excited about having Jaron return,” said Cal general manager Ron Rivera, highlighting Sagapolutele as both a talented quarterback and a respected leader in the locker room.
Cal finished the regular season with a record of 7-5, including notable victories over ranked opponents like No. 14 Louisville and No. 25 SMU. The Bears faced challenges, including a loss to Stanford that prompted immediate leadership changes, but Sagapolutele’s return signals a positive direction for the program.
Looking ahead, Sagapolutele is eager to continue building on his success and shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming 2026 season: “I am excited to finish this season with a group of guys who have put in so much work and effort.” His commitment may also encourage other players to join the program, indicating a potential revival for Cal football.
As the Bears prepare for an upcoming bowl game, interim coach Nick Rolovich will lead the team while Lupoi finishes his duties as defensive coordinator at Oregon. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this new chapter unfolds for California football.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the Golden Bears gear up for their future.
