Cal quarterback enters 2026 opener as speculative Heisman contender
USA TODAY writer Marcus D. Smith has identified Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele as a potential Heisman Trophy dark horse ahead of Cal’s meeting with UCLA.
Cal sophomore quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele will begin the 2026 season under added attention after USA TODAY writer Marcus D. Smith identified him as a potential Heisman Trophy dark horse.
Sagapolutele started all 13 games as a true freshman, becoming the first Cal quarterback to do so since Jared Goff in 2013. He completed 64.2 per cent of his passes for 3,454 yards, recording 22 total touchdowns against nine interceptions.
Cal finished 4–4 in the ACC last season and recorded ranked wins over Louisville and SMU. The programme has never produced a Heisman Trophy winner, while Sagapolutele remains outside BetMGM’s top 10 in reported Heisman odds.
Smith pointed to Cal’s additions at receiver and tight end, including Dorian Thomas, Cooper Perry, Adam Mohammed, Ian Strong and Chase Hendricks, as new options around the quarterback.
Sagapolutele also remained with Cal after Tosh Lupoi took over as coach. Jordan Somerville was appointed offensive coordinator as the Golden Bears prepared to open the season against UCLA on Saturday night.
