California quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele enters second season with high expectations

California quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele begins his sophomore season following a standout freshman campaign that saw him start 13 games. The quarterback recorded 3,454 passing yards with 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions during his debut year. Under new head coach Tosh Lupoi and offensive coordinator Jordan Somerville, the team has expanded the roster by adding receivers Ian Strong and Chase Hendricks. Both wide receivers were named to the 2026 Biletnikoff Award preseason watch list after successful tenures at their previous schools. Sagapolutele finished his freshman season with a loss in the Hawai'i Bowl, where the team fell 35-31 after surrendering a late touchdown. The Golden Bears begin their schedule this weekend with expectations that the offensive improvements will support a stronger performance from the signal-caller.

• 4:28 AMYahoo Sports — Is Cal QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele a sleeper Heisman Trophy pick?