Star QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele confirms return to Cal
There will be no need for a rumor mill, Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele is not going anywhere. The Cal quarterback confirmed that he is returning to Berkeley early Saturday morning after meeting with new head coach Tosh Lupoi.
Sagapolutele never gave any indications that he planned to enter the transfer portal, but college football is in a different era. A coaching change is just the thing that could send someone looking for a new home. Sagapolutele was one of the main topics after Lupoi was introduced as Cal’s 35th head coach on Friday.
Both he and general manager Ron Rivera expressed confidence that Sagapolutele would remain with the Bears. The freshman star confirmed the news himself Saturday morning from his home in Hawaii.
“I am grateful to be surrounded by so many supportive people who can help me achieve the goals that I have on and off the football field,” he said in a statement released by the program. “I am excited to finish this season with a group of guys who have put in so much work and effort and I look forward to the 2026 season.”
“I believe in Cal and what this football program is capable of. I am confident that if you want to change your life, on and off the field you should #ComeToCal.”
Rivera has remained confident in what the Bears would be able to offer to retain Sagapolutele throughout the season. His efforts to raise funds have helped the Bears build their roster. Friday he noted that Cal’s revenue sharing chest is “fully funded” heading into next season.
“We are very excited about having Jaron return,” Rivera said Saturday. “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.”
Cal is set to play in the Sheraton Hawai’i Bowl on Dec. 24 to close out the season.
