Can the Cal Bears clinch bowl eligibility this week?

Yes, the California Golden Bears can clinch bowl eligibility this Friday, October 24th, when they take on the Virginia Tech Hokies.

Who is the standout freshman quarterback for the Cal Bears?

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, a top-100 recruit in the 2025 class, has thrown for 1,696 yards and 10 touchdowns this season for the Golden Bears.

What has happened with the Virginia Tech Hokies this season?

The Hokies have struggled, leading to the firing of head coach Brent Pry last month. They are now 2-5 overall and 1-2 in conference play under interim coach Philip Montgomery.

Home / Sports / Freshman QB Propels Cal to Bowl Eligibility Ahead of Schedule

Freshman QB Propels Cal to Bowl Eligibility Ahead of Schedule

25 Oct, 2025

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Summary

Cal football exceeds low preseason expectations
Freshman QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele shines for Golden Bears
Virginia Tech fires coach, struggles continue under interim

Freshman QB Propels Cal to Bowl Eligibility Ahead of Schedule

Heading into the 2025 college football season, expectations were low for the California Golden Bears, who were picked to finish 15th out of 17 teams in the ACC preseason poll. However, the team has defied those predictions and now stands at 5-2 overall and 2-1 in conference play.

A key factor in Cal's impressive start has been the play of freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, a top-100 recruit in the 2025 class. Sagapolutele has thrown for 1,696 yards and 10 touchdowns this season, helping the Golden Bears overcome the loss of former starting quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is now at Indiana and a Heisman Trophy front-runner.

This Friday, October 24th, Cal will have the opportunity to clinch bowl eligibility when they travel to take on Virginia Tech (2-5, 1-2) at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg. The Hokies have weathered a difficult 2025 campaign, leading to the firing of head coach Brent Pry last month. Since then, Virginia Tech has gone 2-2 under interim coach Philip Montgomery, with wins against North Carolina State and FCS Wofford, and losses to Wake Forest and Georgia Tech.