Sports

Ron Rivera OK’d Football Coach’s Request To Stalk Cal QB Across Pacific Ocean

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iStockphoto / Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Cal football coach Tosh Lupoi flew to Hawaii to prevent Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele's transfer.


Cal quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele debated transferring following the firing of head coach Justin Wilcox. Replacement Tosh Lupoi ensured it wouldn’t happen.

According to GM Ron Rivera, Lupoi stalked Sagapolutele across the Pacific Ocean in order to secure his commitment. He prevented him from entering the transfer portal by boarding a midnight flight to Hawaii.

It represented the coach’s first major win on the recruiting trail. Sagapolutele had interest from other notable programs. The Bears got him to stay put.

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele debated a change of scenery.

The freshman earned the starting role in 2025 after signing as a four-star prospect. His initial recruitment was a bit of a whirlwind.

Sagapolutele committed to Cal in July of 2024. He then flipped to Oregon on signing day where he enrolled after his senior season. A few days later, he transferred back to the Bears.

Playing time might’ve played a role. Sagapolutele would’ve been behind Dante Moore on the depth chart in Eugene. While Cal did sign Ohio State transfer Devin Brown the offseason prior, the program still offered the quickest path to the field.

The decision worked out. Sagapolutele grabbed the keys to the offense in the preseason. He started 13 games, throwing for 3,454 yards and 18 touchdowns.

The Bears won six games in regular season. It wasn’t enough to keep Justin Wilcox employed. Rivera fired the head coach with his boosters’ blessing to trigger a $10 million buyout.

Tosh Lupoi was brought in as a replacement. His first goal was to keep his stars in Berkeley. That started with the starting quarterback.

Rivera admitted that Sagapolutele had doubts about staying at Cal. Lupoi re-recruited him upon landing the job.

Tosh Lupoi stalked QB in Hawaii.

Ron Rivera detailed the push that prevented Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele’s transfer. Lupoi flew 2,400 miles to Hawaii after his introductory presser without the passer’s phone number or home address.

“One person that we really heard was shook up by the coaching change was Jaron… Somebody’s got to go out and see him right away,” the GM told ACC Network.

“Tosh just said, ‘I’m going…’ We got him a plane ticket, and he flew out there. He basically figured out where he needed to be to be in contact with Jaron and the family, and basically just recruited him all over.”

The tactic worked. Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele stayed loyal to Cal. An NIL boost helped make the decision easier. Six donors reportedly ponied up to keep the quarterback put. He currently boasts an NIL valuation of $3 million.

Ron Rivera was 100% on board with Tosh Lupoi’s request to stalk his starting quarterback in Hawaii. It should pay immediate dividends in the 2026 season.