California QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Commits to Stay After Coaching Change

UPDATE: California’s star freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has officially committed to remaining with the Golden Bears following the hiring of new head coach Tosh Lupoi. This decision comes just a day after Lupoi’s introductory press conference and signals a pivotal moment for the program.

In a statement released Saturday, Sagapolutele expressed his gratitude for the support he has received and emphasized his belief in Cal’s potential. “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. His announcement alleviates concerns about his future after a standout debut season that saw him throw for over 3,117 yards and 17 touchdown passes.

During his freshman year, Sagapolutele made history by becoming the only player in power conference history to start his career with 12 consecutive games throwing for at least 200 yards. His remarkable performance earned him accolades, including being named ACC Rookie of the Week four times.

Cal general manager Ron Rivera expressed excitement over Sagapolutele’s commitment, stating, “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 he exemplifies everything about what it means to be a California Golden Bear.” Rivera has been actively working to enhance the team’s roster as they prepare for the upcoming seasons.

The Golden Bears finished the regular season with a 7-5 record, achieving significant victories over ranked teams including No. 14 Louisville and No. 25 SMU. However, the season was marred by a disappointing loss to Stanford in the Big Game, leading to the firing of former coach Justin Wilcox.

With Lupoi now at the helm, he quickly flew to Hawaii to meet with Sagapolutele shortly after taking the job, indicating the importance of retaining the talented quarterback for the future. Sagapolutele’s decision to stay is a significant win for both the player and the program, offering hope for the 2026 season.

As the Golden Bears look to build on this momentum, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Sagapolutele’s leadership and performance shape California football moving forward. Expect more updates as the team prepares for its bowl game under interim coach Nick Rolovich, who stepped in after Wilcox’s departure.

This developing story showcases the immediate impact of coaching changes on player commitments, highlighting the urgency and excitement surrounding the Golden Bears’ future.