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Cal Freshman QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Takes Center Stage for Big Game at Stanford

Program leaders express confidence in alumni-backed NIL support to keep him in Berkeley.

Overview

  • Sagapolutele has thrown for at least 200 yards in each of his first 10 college games, a first for a true freshman, and has 2,518 yards that lead all freshmen and rank fourth in the ACC.
  • He logged a career-high 323 yards with the overtime winning touchdown at No. 14 Louisville on Nov. 8, securing Cal’s first victory over a ranked opponent since 2020.
  • Cal visits 3-7 Stanford on Saturday seeking a fifth straight win in the rivalry and a path to the program’s first eight-win regular season since 2009 with a subsequent win over SMU.
  • Asked about 2026, Sagapolutele stopped short of a firm commitment, saying his focus is Stanford and he is “pretty sure” he will return.
  • General manager Ron Rivera said strong alumni engagement positions Cal to retain its freshman star as NIL opportunities expand, with Sagapolutele already featured in a local auto dealership ad.