UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, the Cal Bears fell to the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors 35-31 in the Hawaii Bowl on December 24, 2023, despite leading 21-0 in the second quarter. The loss not only dashed hopes for a victorious start to the Tosh Lupoi coaching era but also underscored the urgent need for transformative leadership within the program.
Cal entered the game at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex with the momentum of a strong first half, captivating a crowd of 15,194 fans. However, as has become a familiar story for the Bears, inconsistency plagued their performance after a promising start.
Freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele showcased his talent, throwing for 343 yards without a turnover and scoring a potential game-winning touchdown with 1:57 left on the clock. Yet, Cal’s defense faltered, allowing Hawaii to drive 68 yards in just over a minute, sealing the Bears’ fate.
“This is a big stepping stone for us to get better, and I think we’ll come back stronger next year,” Sagapolutele said after the game, expressing optimism for the future.
Hawaii, which struggled initially, capitalized on Cal’s fading defense, scoring on every possession in the second half. Backup quarterback Luke Weaver delivered a decisive 13-yard touchdown pass to Nick Cenacle with just seconds left, marking a dramatic comeback for the Rainbow Warriors.
With the loss, Cal concluded their season with a 7-6 record, raising questions about the program’s direction. Chancellor Rich Lyons hired Lupoi to revitalize the team, following the departure of former coach Justin Wilcox, who could not elevate the Bears to consistent success.
Looking ahead, Lupoi faces a critical challenge: rebuilding a squad that must enhance talent and depth across the board. Convincing Sagapolutele to stay in Berkeley was a significant recruiting victory and a step in the right direction for his efforts.
Notably, senior receiver Jacob De Jesus shone brightly, catching nine passes for 137 yards and setting a new single-season receptions record with 108 catches. His performance, however, may be his last, as Sagapolutele hinted at efforts to secure De Jesus another year of eligibility.
On the defensive side, the Bears will need to fill gaps left by key seniors, including defensive tackle Aidan Keanaaina and standout cornerbacks who led the NCAA in passes defended. The return of linebackers Cade Uluave and Luke Ferrelli, who combined for 191 tackles, offers some hope as the team prepares for the offseason.
As the Cal Bears regroup and look toward the future, fans are left with the urgency of change. With the weight of expectations on Lupoi’s shoulders, the upcoming offseason will be crucial in determining the trajectory of the program. Can the Bears turn heartbreak into motivation? Only time will tell.
