BREAKING: In a pivotal announcement for California football, freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has confirmed his commitment to stay with the Golden Bears following the hiring of new head coach Tosh Lupoi. This decision comes just one day after Lupoi’s introductory press conference and is a significant boost for the program’s future.
Sagapolutele met with Lupoi in Hawaii shortly after the coach was appointed, solidifying his intention to remain at Cal. “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,” Sagapolutele stated. He expressed gratitude for the support he has received and excitement for the upcoming 2026 season.
His commitment is crucial as it addresses concerns following the firing of former coach Justin Wilcox last month. Sagapolutele’s stellar debut season has made him a key figure for the Bears, as he threw for over 3,117 yards with 17 touchdown passes and nine interceptions, making him the only power conference player to begin a career with at least 200 yards in all 12 games.
Cal general manager Ron Rivera expressed excitement about Sagapolutele’s return, stating, “Jaron is not only a great quarterback with a bright future, but he is also a leader, respected in the locker room, and exemplifies everything about what it means to be a California Golden Bear.”
The Golden Bears finished the regular season with a record of 7-5, including impressive victories over No. 14 Louisville and No. 25 SMU. However, a disappointing loss to Stanford in the Big Game led to Wilcox’s dismissal. Nick Rolovich stepped in as interim coach, leading the team to victory over SMU and preparing for an upcoming bowl game.
Sagapolutele’s commitment is expected to energize the fan base and attract more talent to the program. His achievements, including being named ACC Rookie of the Week four times and recognized as the Davey O’Brien award’s national quarterback of the week, highlight his potential as a future star.
As the Golden Bears look forward to the next season, all eyes will be on Sagapolutele and the impact Lupoi will have on the program’s direction. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Cal prepares for its upcoming challenges.
