California QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Commits to Stay After Coach Hire

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 pivotal decision comes after a season of uncertainty sparked by the firing of former coach Justin Wilcox last month.

In a statement released earlier today, Sagapolutele expressed his excitement about continuing his journey 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,” he stated. His announcement is a significant boost for the Bears, who are looking to solidify their roster amid coaching changes.

New head coach Tosh Lupoi made it a priority to meet with Sagapolutele shortly after his introductory press conference on Friday. The connection forged between them played a crucial role in the quarterback’s decision to stay. “I am grateful to be surrounded by so many supportive people who can help me achieve my goals,” Sagapolutele added.

His commitment is especially crucial as Sagapolutele had an outstanding debut season, throwing for at least 200 yards in all 12 games, a first for any power conference player. He completed the season with 3,117 yards, 17 touchdown passes, and just 9 interceptions. His remarkable performance earned him multiple accolades, including being named ACC Rookie of the Week four times.

Ron Rivera, Cal’s general manager, expressed his enthusiasm regarding 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.” Rivera has been actively working to enhance the team’s roster, underscoring the importance of retaining key players like Sagapolutele.

The Golden Bears finished the regular season with a 7-5 record, featuring notable victories over ranked teams including No. 14 Louisville and No. 25 SMU. However, the team faced challenges, including a significant loss to Stanford in the Big Game, which led to Wilcox’s dismissal.

As the program transitions under Lupoi’s leadership, Sagapolutele’s commitment brings a wave of optimism for the upcoming 2026 season. He is calling on fellow players to join him in building a successful future at Cal.

With his return solidified, all eyes will be on Sagapolutele as he leads the team into an upcoming bowl game, where they will aim to conclude the season on a high note under interim coach Nick Rolovich. The focus now shifts to how the new coaching staff will leverage Sagapolutele’s talents to elevate the Golden Bears in the competitive landscape of college football.

This developing story is set to reshape the outlook for the California Golden Bears as they gear up for a promising future. Stay tuned for further updates on this and other urgent developments in college football.