Oregon QB transfer Jaron Keawe-Sagapolutele commits to Cal

Oregon quarterback signee Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who inked with the Ducks last month, has now signed with Cal via the NCAA Transfer Portal, per On3’s Pete Nakos.

Despite enrolling and participating in practices with the Ducks ahead of the Rose Bowl Game on Jan. 1, Sagapolutele confirmed reports that he planned to enter the portal just a few days later.

It did not take him long to find his next destination with the Golden Bears, who were the program he was committed to before flipping to Oregon on National Signing Day. Sagapolutele told reporters that he had a change of heart after seeing that he wouldn’t have the chance to start during his freshman season with the Ducks.

He now joins a Cal roster very much in need of a quarterback after returning starter Fernando Mendoza transferred to Indiana last month.

Sagapolutele, a Hawaii native, 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 is the No. 50 overall prospect and No. 7 QB in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the top-ranked player in Hawaii.

Because of his quick decision to transfer, he will be classified as a ‘Short-Term Signee.’ Those prospects will be removed from the recruiting class of the school they initially signed and enrolled with, and will now be counted as part of their new program’s recruiting class instead of its transfer portal haul.

Ducks down to just four quarterbacks after losing Sagapolutele

Oregon and Georgia both pushed to flip him from Cal, but he only visited the Ducks before returning to visit Berkeley soon after. Ultimately he made the choice to flip on signing day.

“It was really just everything you know, culture, coaching staff, just an opportunity to provide for my family,” Sagapolutele told Scoop Duck about his decision. “They just really showed that they really love me. I just couldn’t miss out on this chance to play with great players.”

However, the opportunity to play early appears to have ultimately paid off for Cal. As for the Ducks, they now have four quarterbacks heading into next season with presumed starter Dante Moore and reserves Austin Novosad, Luke Moga and 2025 signee Akili Smith Jr.