The Cal Bears experienced a heartbreaking 35-31 defeat against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors in the Hawaii Bowl on December 24, 2023. Leading 21-0 during the second quarter, Cal seemed poised to build momentum under new head coach Tosh Lupoi, but the game took a dramatic turn, leaving the Bears with more questions than answers heading into the offseason.
In front of a crowd of 15,194 at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex, Cal’s offense displayed its potential early on. Freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele threw for 343 yards without a turnover, and his 1-yard sneak late in the game appeared to secure a victory for the Bears. However, the Rainbow Warriors responded swiftly, slicing through Cal’s defense and scoring a last-minute touchdown that sealed the game.
After starting quarterback Micah Alejado was sidelined with an injury, backup Luke Weaver threw a decisive 13-yard touchdown pass to Nick Cenacle, capping a remarkable comeback for Hawaii. Despite initial struggles, the Rainbow Warriors scored on each of their final six possessions.
As Cal reflects on the loss, it becomes clear that the program must undergo significant changes. Although the Bears managed to accumulate a season-high 487 total yards and 31 first downs, the inability to maintain their lead highlighted a concerning pattern of inconsistency that plagued the team under former coach Justin Wilcox during his nine-year tenure.
Looking Ahead with Promise
Sagapolutele expressed disappointment but recognized the potential for growth. “This is a big stepping stone for us to get better and I think we’ll come back stronger next year,” he stated after the game. Over the course of the season, he showcased his skill by passing for over 200 yards in every game and finishing with 3,460 passing yards, the sixth-most in Cal’s history and the highest among freshmen in the Football Bowl Subdivision.
Senior receiver Jacob De Jesus also made headlines, recording nine receptions for 137 yards and a touchdown, which helped him break Cal’s single-season receptions record with a total of 108 catches. His impressive performance included significant contributions in the final games of the season, and he currently ranks second all-time in the Atlantic Coast Conference for single-season receptions.
With an eye on the future, Sagapolutele hinted at potential efforts to secure another season of eligibility for De Jesus, who has played three years at the FBS level.
Defensive Challenges Ahead
While Cal’s offense showed promise, critical questions remain about the defense. As Lupoi embarks on his new role, he must address the loss of several key defensive players. Although linebackers Cade Uluave and Luke Ferrelli are expected to return, the Bears will part ways with impactful seniors like defensive tackle Aidan Keanaaina and cornerbacks Paco Austin and Hezekiah Masses, who had a standout season with five interceptions and an NCAA-leading 18 passes defended.
As the Bears transition into a new era with Lupoi at the helm, the focus will be on improving talent and depth across all positions. The challenge ahead is significant, but the program’s potential is evident. The combination of a promising young quarterback and a record-setting receiver offers a foundation upon which to build. With the right strategies in place, Cal aims to evolve from a competitive team to a serious contender in the future.
