UPDATE: California freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has just committed to remain with the Golden Bears following the recent hiring of coach Tosh Lupoi. This announcement comes after intense speculation regarding his future after the firing of coach Justin Wilcox last month.
Less than 24 hours after Lupoi’s introductory news conference on December 8, 2023, he traveled to Hawaii to meet with Sagapolutele, solidifying the quarterback’s decision to stay with the program. In a heartfelt statement, Sagapolutele expressed his commitment: “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,” he said.
This news is vital for the Golden Bears as Sagapolutele was a standout performer last season, throwing for a remarkable 3,117 yards with 17 touchdown passes and a record of at least 200 yards in all 12 games. He made history as the only power conference player to achieve this milestone in his debut season.
His impressive performance earned him accolades, including being named ACC Rookie of the Week four times and Quarterback of the Week twice. With these accomplishments, Sagapolutele is a beacon of hope for the Bears ahead of the 2026 season.
Cal’s general manager Ron Rivera emphasized the importance of retaining Sagapolutele: “Jaron is not only a great quarterback with a bright future, but he is also a leader, he’s 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 7-5 record, including notable victories over ranked teams such as No. 14 Louisville and No. 25 SMU. However, the team faced disappointment in the Big Game against Stanford, leading to the firing of Wilcox.
In the interim, Nick Rolovich took over coaching duties, leading the team to a victory against SMU and preparing for an upcoming bowl game. As Lupoi transitions from his role as defensive coordinator at Oregon to head coach at Cal, his focus will also be on further enhancing the roster.
This commitment from Sagapolutele is a significant development for the Golden Bears, signaling stability and a promising future under new leadership. Fans and alumni are encouraged to rally around the program as it heads into the next season with renewed optimism.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the Golden Bears prepare for their upcoming challenges and the exciting new chapter under Coach Lupoi.
