Cal Freshman QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Says He's Staying

The news that every Cal football has been waiting to hear came Saturday: freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele announced he is committed to staying at Cal.

Here’s what he said in a statement released by the athletic department:

“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.

“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. 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.”

The news comes the morning after Cal introduced Tosh Lupoi as its new head coach. Lupoi had expressed confidence the Bears would keep Sagapolutele from jumping into the transfer portal next month but acknowledged he hadn’t yet spoken individually with him.

Cal football general manager Ron Rivera said the Bears are obviously delighted that Sagspolutele will be back in 2026.

“We are very excited about having Jaron return,” Rivera said. “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.” 

The announcement could have multiple positive effects for the Bears, both in terms of recruiting players out of the transfer portal, beginning Jan. 2, and securing high-level assistant coaches. 

Both Lupoi and Rivera talked Friday during Lupoi’s introductory news conference about how an elite, young quarterback would be a significant draw for potential coaches.

Lupoi said he already had received a series of text messages from “NFL high-level coaches and coaches in the best programs in the country that want to come work here. I think JKS has something to do with that, I think Ron Rivera has something to do with that. Hopefully, I have something to do with that.”

Story will be updated