Cal’s freshman QB shines in Hawaii Bowl despite heartbreaking loss
Cal’s freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele delivered a standout performance in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, just 25 miles from his hometown of Ewa Beach. The game ended in a narrow 35-31 defeat, despite his 343-yard passing effort. Meanwhile, interim coach Nick Rolovich took charge after a turbulent few years in his own career.
Sagapolutele, who set Hawaii’s high school career passing record with 10,653 yards at Campbell High, entered the game with confidence. He completed 28 of 49 passes for 343 yards and a touchdown, nearly leading Cal to victory. With 1:57 left, he thought he had secured the win on a quarterback sneak, but Hawaii’s offence rallied for a late score.
Cal’s defence struggled to contain Hawaii, allowing touchdowns on the final six drives—including all four in the second half. The Bears’ own offence also slowed after a strong start, scoring only once following their first three drives, which all ended in touchdowns. Rolovich, 46, stepped in as interim coach after a rocky period. Fired from Washington State in 2021, he coached high school in Marin County before joining Cal as a senior offensive analyst in early 2025. He praised Sagapolutele’s performance and will remain with the team in 2026 as quarterbacks coach and assistant coach. This season, Sagapolutele threw for 3,460 yards and 18 touchdowns in his debut year. He has already confirmed he will return to Cal for 2026, building on a promising start to his college career.
The loss marked the end of Cal’s season, but Sagapolutele’s performance offered a bright spot. Rolovich’s return in a permanent coaching role adds stability for 2026. Both will look to build on this experience as the Bears prepare for next year.
