UPDATE: The Cal Bears suffered a devastating 35-31 loss to the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors on December 24, 2023, at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. This heartbreaking defeat, which saw Cal blow a commanding 21-0 lead, raises urgent questions about the future of the program under new head coach Tosh Lupoi.
Initially, the Bears appeared poised for victory in front of a capacity crowd of 15,194 fans. Freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele showcased his talent, throwing for 343 yards without a turnover and scoring what seemed to be the winning touchdown with 1:57 left on the clock. However, Hawaii’s resilience shone through as they executed a quick 68-yard drive in just 102 seconds, clinching the game with a touchdown pass from backup quarterback Luke Weaver to Nick Cenacle.
The loss exemplifies a recurring theme in Cal’s season, reminiscent of past disappointments under former coach Justin Wilcox. Although the Bears amassed a season-high 487 total yards and 31 first downs, they faltered at critical moments, leaving fans frustrated and questioning the program’s direction.
As the Bears finish their season at 7-6, attention now turns to Lupoi, who is tasked with transforming Cal from a competitive team into a serious contender in the ACC. This pivotal challenge comes on the heels of Chancellor Rich Lyons hiring football legend Ron Rivera as general manager, a move aimed at revitalizing the program after years of stagnation.
Sagapolutele expressed disappointment but optimism following the loss, stating,
“This is a big stepping stone for us to get better, and I think we’ll come back stronger next year.”
He finished his debut season with 3,460 passing yards, ranking sixth in program history and leading all FBS freshmen nationally.
Alongside Sagapolutele, senior receiver Jacob De Jesus shone brightly, catching nine passes for 137 yards and a touchdown. He set a new single-season receptions record for Cal, finishing with 108 catches this season, including 51 in the last four games.
However, the Bears face significant challenges ahead, particularly on defense. Several key players, including defensive tackle Aidan Keanaaina and cornerbacks Paco Austin and Hezekiah Masses, are set to graduate, leaving gaps that Lupoi must address. Linebackers Cade Uluave and Luke Ferrelli are expected to return, bringing some continuity to the defense.
With the offseason now underway, Cal must prioritize improving its talent and depth across all positions. The pressure is on Lupoi not only to recruit effectively but also to retain emerging talents like Sagapolutele, who hinted at the possibility of De Jesus securing an additional year of eligibility.
As the Bears regroup, fans are left hoping this loss serves as a catalyst for change rather than a continuation of past frustrations. The coming months will be critical as Cal aims to redefine its identity under new leadership and strive for success in the upcoming season.
