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 decision comes just days after the departure of former coach Justin Wilcox, who was fired last month after a challenging season.
In a statement released earlier today, Sagapolutele expressed his enthusiasm about sticking with the program, stating, “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.” His commitment is significant for Cal, especially after a remarkable rookie season where he threw for over 3,117 yards, marking a record as the only power conference player to start his career with twelve consecutive games of at least 200 yards.
The urgency around Sagapolutele’s future was palpable after the Golden Bears finished the regular season with a 7-5 record. His performance included 17 touchdown passes and recognition as ACC Rookie of the Week four times, solidifying his status as a rising star. Coach Lupoi, who met with Sagapolutele in Hawaii shortly after his introduction, has expressed his commitment to building a winning culture at Cal.
Cal general manager Ron Rivera shared his excitement about Sagapolutele’s decision, emphasizing the young quarterback’s leadership and respect within the locker room. “Jaron is not only a great quarterback with a bright future, but he exemplifies everything about what it means to be a California Golden Bear,” Rivera stated.
The hiring of Lupoi aims to elevate the program’s trajectory after a tough season, which included a 31-10 loss to Stanford in the Big Game. Following this defeat, Wilcox was swiftly dismissed, and interim coach Nick Rolovich led the team to victory over No. 25 SMU. As the Golden Bears gear up for their upcoming bowl game, all eyes will be on how Lupoi plans to leverage Sagapolutele’s talents moving forward.
Sagapolutele’s commitment not only reassures fans but also inspires optimism for the future of the Golden Bears as they look ahead to the 2026 season. His message to potential recruits is clear: Cal is poised for success, and he is eager to finish the current season strong with his teammates.
Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops, and the Golden Bears prepare for a new chapter under Coach Lupoi.
