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1h ago

Cal Lists Key Starters Questionable as Virginia Tech Heads to Berkeley

Cal’s injury uncertainty and a sudden shift in offensive playcalling leave the Golden Bears’ offense vulnerable against Virginia Tech’s top havoc defense.

Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore (15) tackles Stanford wide receiver Caden High (0) during a college football game, Nov. 29, 2025, in Stanford.
California QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele stands on the sideline during the second half of a football game against Wagner in Berkeley, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
Nov 29, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (3) throws a pass against the Southern Methodist Mustangs during the first quarter at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Virginia Tech travels to Berkeley this weekend to play California in an ACC matchup with Virginia Tech at 4-1 and Cal at 2-3.
  • Cal’s starting quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele is in concussion protocol and listed as questionable, and interception leader Kingston Lopa is also questionable while running back Adam Mohammed has been reported as doubtful.
  • Head coach Tosh Lupoi moved primary offensive playcalling away from first-time coordinator Jordan Somerville to pass-game coordinator Pat McCann, a change Ron Rivera publicly endorsed after Cal’s loss to UNLV.
  • Virginia Tech brings a disruptive defense that leads the nation in tackles for loss, ranks among the top teams in havoc rate and sacks, while quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer has completed 74.0% of his passes for 1,446 yards and 11 touchdowns this season.
  • Cal’s weak run defense and an unusually high penalty rate increase the impact of any missing starters, so final availability will shape whether Pat McCann’s playcalling can stabilize the offense or give Virginia Tech a clear path to control the game.