In the wake of Cal hiring Tosh Lupoi as its new head coach, star true freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has committed to return to the Golden Bears next season, the school announced Saturday.
Sagapolutele is a former five-star recruit who joined Jared Goff as the only Cal quarterbacks to win the starting job as a true freshman.
"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," Sagapolutele said in a statement. "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."
Lupoi told ESPN's Adam Rittenberg that he canceled all remaining events after his introductory news conference at Cal on Friday, bought a plane ticket on a commercial flight to Hawai'i and met with Sagapolutele and his family from 12:30-2:30 a.m. early Saturday morning Hawai'i time, before returning to the mainland.
Sagapolutele later posted a picture with Lupoi on X, writing "God is Good. Mahalo to #CoachLup for coming to visit me and my family in HI. I believe in Cal and what this football program is capable of."
In 12 games, Sagapolutele has thrown for 3,117 yards and 17 touchdowns, completing 63.6% of his pass attempts. The 19-year-old had 15 passes of 30 yards or more and added three touchdowns on the ground.
Keeping Sagapolutele in Berkeley is a huge coup for Lupoi and the rest of the program, as he was expected to attract plenty of interest if he entered the transfer portal.
The Ewa Beach, Hawai'i, native will now give the Golden Bears continuity on the offensive side and allow Lupoi and his staff to continue to build around him.