California QB transfer Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele ranked No. 20 in final 2025 On300 rankings

One of the most interesting recruitments of the 2025 cycle belonged to Ewa Beach (Hawaii) James Campbell quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele. Sagapolutele is a five-star prospect ranked No. 20 overall in the final 2025 On300 rankings on Thursday.

The final edition of the 2025 On300 features 32 five-star prospects, up from 25 in the previous update in November.

Following an impressive Elite 11 performance in the summer and preceding an even more impressive senior season of high school football, Sagapolutele committed to Cal on July 8. With each successive rankings update, Sagapolutele shot up the board and solidified himself as one of the best passers in the country.

With that came increased attention from elite college football programs — which ultimately led to Sagapolutele flipping his commitment from Cal to Oregon on National Signing Day.

Sagapolutele did in fact sign with the Ducks and even participated in practices with Oregon ahead of the Rose Bowl Game. However, a few days later, Sagapolutele announced his intention to transfer out of Eugene.

Sagapolutele chose to reunite with the Golden Bears and recommitted to Cal on Jan. 5. He is classified as a ‘Short-Term Signee’ and does not factor into Oregon’s 2025 recruiting class score.

A Hawaii native, Sagapolutele was one of the state’s all-team leading passers as a high schooler. During his senior season, he broke the state’s career passing yardage record and also shattered the passing touchdowns record. He skyrocketed up the recruiting rankings between a strong performance at the Elite 11 Finals this summer and a terrific senior season.

Sagapolutele primed to carry on Cal QB legacy

The 6-foot-2.5, 220-pound passer from Hawaii also shined in the 2025 Polynesian Bowl.

“Cal transfer Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele came out of the gate firing for Team Mauka,” On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power wrote. “The big-armed lefty delivered several impressive downfield throws while leading his team to a touchdown on his first drive. Sagapolutele flashed a live arm and solid pocket presence while ripping throws into small windows over the middle of the field… Despite the loss, Sagapolutele showed the advanced skill that led him to be come the state of Hawaii’s all-time passing leader.”

On3’s scouting and rankings team likens Sagapolutele to Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

“Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele’s live arm and downfield passing ability reminds us of another prolific lefty, Michael Penix. Sagapolutele was a more skilled and accomplished passer at the same stage, while Penix was a better athlete.”