UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, the Cal Bears fell to the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors 35-31 in a Christmas Eve showdown at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. Leading 21-0 midway through the second quarter, Cal’s hopes for a triumphant start under new coach Tosh Lupoi were dashed in the final moments of the game.
The defeat marks a troubling continuation of a familiar narrative for the Bears, who have struggled to maintain momentum throughout the season. Despite posting a season-high total of 487 yards and achieving 31 first downs, Cal’s defense could not hold off Hawaii’s late-game surge.
After a strong performance from freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who threw for 343 yards and scored a late touchdown, the Bears seemed poised to secure victory. However, in just over a minute, Hawaii executed a rapid 68-yard drive to clinch the win after backup quarterback Luke Weaver threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Nick Cenacle with only 15 seconds left on the clock.
This loss raises urgent questions about Cal’s trajectory under new leadership. Chancellor Rich Lyons has made it clear that Lupoi’s mission is to elevate the Bears from a competitive team to an ACC contender. With Ron Rivera now serving as general manager, the focus is on revitalizing the program and securing top-tier talent.
Sagapolutele expressed his disappointment yet recognized the opportunity for growth. “This is a big stepping stone for us to get better,” he stated after returning to his home state of Hawaii. “We’ve got a long offseason, especially me — I’ve got a lot to work on.” Over his inaugural season, he recorded 3,460 passing yards, the sixth-most in Cal’s history, while maintaining a remarkable consistency with only two interceptions over the last seven games.
In addition to Sagapolutele’s promising future, senior wide receiver Jacob De Jesus shone brightly, catching nine passes for 137 yards and solidifying his status with a record-breaking 108 receptions this season. His performance places him among the NCAA’s top receivers, with potential discussions ongoing about securing another year of eligibility.
However, the Bears face significant challenges ahead, particularly on defense. Key players including defensive tackle Aidan Keanaaina and cornerbacks Paco Austin and Hezekiah Masses are set to graduate, leaving gaps that Lupoi will need to fill to strengthen the squad. Linebackers Cade Uluave and Luke Ferrelli are expected to return, providing some continuity.
As the dust settles from this heartbreaking loss, all eyes will be on Lupoi and his strategy to rebuild the Bears as they prepare for a critical offseason. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the new coaching staff can transform potential into performance in the coming year.
Stay tuned for further updates as Cal navigates this pivotal moment in its football program.
