Island connections abound when Cal meets Hawaii at Hawaii Bowl
FLM
Dec 21, 2025
Cal quarterback and potential 2026 Heisman Trophy candidate Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele hopes to enjoy a homecoming when Cal takes on Hawaii Rainbow Warriors at the Hawaii Bowl on Christmas Eve in Honolulu.
The matchup pits Cal (7-5), which clinched a winning season with a 38-35 home upset of then-No. 21 SMU on Nov. 29, against a Hawaii team (8-4) that opened its season with a 23-20 home win over the Golden Bears' rival, Stanford.
The Cardinal beat Cal 31-10 in the annual Big Game on Nov. 22, which led directly to head coach Justin Wilcox's firing the next day. The Golden Bears and Rainbow Warriors have one other common opponent: Hawaii thumped San Diego State 38-6 in November, seven weeks after the Aztecs stunned Cal 34-0.
Cal replaced Wilcox with Tosh Lupoi, a former assistant who currently serves as Oregon's defensive coordinator in the Ducks' pursuit of a national championship in the ongoing College Football Playoff.
Lupoi has been splitting his time between working on the Ducks' playoff run (they beat James Madison in the first round Saturday) and attempting to keep key pieces of the Cal roster and coaching staff in place, while also importing new faces as assistants.
Nick Rolovich, who coached Cal's win over SMU in the wake of Wilcox's firing and will be retained as the team's quarterbacks coach in 2026, will lead the team in Hawaii, giving him an opportunity to match wits with former Hawaii teammate Timmy Chang, the Rainbow Warriors' head coach.
Sagapolutele, a Hawaii native, ranked among the top freshman quarterbacks in the nation in his first season at Cal. He has thrown for 3,117 yards and 17 touchdowns, becoming just the second quarterback in FBS history to start a college career with 12 straight 200-yard games.
Lupoi admitted his first goal at Cal was to keep Sagapolutele from following in the footsteps of Fernando Mendoza, who left Cal for Indiana after last season en route to winning the Heisman this year.
Noting the success Cal has had with quarterbacks, including Aaron Rodgers and Jared Goff, Lupoi recorded his first win as Golden Bears' coach when Sagapolutele announced on Dec. 5 that he'd be staying in Berkeley.
Lupoi flew to Hawaii to meet Sagapolutele's family as part of his recruiting mission.
"It's really a testament to how great of a coach (he is) and what he wants to do for this program. How much I meant to him," Sagapolutele told reporters during his preparation for the Hawaii Bowl. "That meant so much to me and I'm grateful."
Hawaii has received similar good news from its star quarterback, Micah Alejado, the Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year after throwing for 2,832 yards and 21 touchdowns.
The news was all the more calming in that it followed the announcement that top receiver Jackson Harris had left the program to enter the transfer portal.
The matchup of Sagapolutele and Alejado not only pits a pair of freshman left-handers but also childhood friends.
"We were always together," Alejado said. "Every night we were throwing to Coach Galu, Tua (Tagovailoa)'s dad. Just watched him grow up. Happy for him, all the success that he's had. There's a lot of upside to him and just (awesome) to see him grow."
--Field Level Media
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M.Alejado pass complete. Catch made by P.Ashlock for 14 yards. Tackled by CAL at HAW 32.
CAL
2 Pass
3 Rush
16 YDS
2:42 POS
Punt
4TH & 9 CAL 41
12:27
M.Kern punts 41 yards to HAW 18 Center-R.Monteforte. Fair catch by T.Uiliata.
No Gain
3RD & 9 CAL 41
13:09
J.Sagapolutele pass complete. Catch made by J.De Jesus for 0 yards. Tackled by E.Palmer at CAL 41.
No Gain
2ND & 9 CAL 41
13:13
J.Sagapolutele steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for T.Grizzell.
+1 YD
1ST & 10 CAL 40
13:43
K.Raphael rushed for 1 yards. Tackled by V.Edwards at CAL 41.
+7 YD
3RD & 2 CAL 33
14:20
J.Sagapolutele pass complete. Catch made by Q.Adams for 7 yards. Tackled by G.Iovino at CAL 40.
+8 YD
2ND & 10 CAL 25
14:55
K.Raphael rushed for 8 yards. Tackled by D.King at CAL 33.
No Gain
1ST & 10 CAL 25
15:00
J.Sagapolutele steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for K.Raphael. Hawai'i challenged the backward pass and the play was upheld. Timeout #1 by HAW.
Kickoff
Kickoff
15:00
S.Olvera-Harle kicks 57 yards from HAW 35 to the CAL 8. Fair catch by J.De Jesus.
CAL
2 Pass
1 Rush
44 YDS
0:27 POS
No Good
1ST & 10 HAWAII 37
0:04
A.Murray 47 yard field goal attempt is no good Center-R.Monteforte Holder-B.Honore.
(12:18 - 3rd) M.Alejado pass complete. Catch made by P.Ashlock for 14 yards. Tackled by CAL at HAW 32.
CAL
Golden Bears
- Punt (6 plays, 16 yards, 2:42 poss)
Result
Play
Punt
4 & 9 - CAL 41
(12:27 - 3rd) M.Kern punts 41 yards to HAW 18 Center-R.Monteforte. Fair catch by T.Uiliata.
No Gain
3 & 9 - CAL 41
(13:09 - 3rd) J.Sagapolutele pass complete. Catch made by J.De Jesus for 0 yards. Tackled by E.Palmer at CAL 41.
No Gain
2 & 9 - CAL 41
(13:13 - 3rd) J.Sagapolutele steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for T.Grizzell.
+1 YD
1 & 10 - CAL 40
(13:43 - 3rd) K.Raphael rushed for 1 yards. Tackled by V.Edwards at CAL 41.
+7 YD
3 & 2 - CAL 33
(14:20 - 3rd) J.Sagapolutele pass complete. Catch made by Q.Adams for 7 yards. Tackled by G.Iovino at CAL 40.
+8 YD
2 & 10 - CAL 25
(14:55 - 3rd) K.Raphael rushed for 8 yards. Tackled by D.King at CAL 33.
No Gain
1 & 10 - CAL 25
(15:00 - 3rd) J.Sagapolutele steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for K.Raphael. Hawai'i challenged the backward pass and the play was upheld. Timeout #1 by HAW.
Kickoff
(15:00 - 3rd) S.Olvera-Harle kicks 57 yards from HAW 35 to the CAL 8. Fair catch by J.De Jesus.
CAL
Golden Bears
- Missed FG (4 plays, 44 yards, 0:27 poss)
Result
Play
No Good
1 & 10 - HAWAII 37
(0:04 - 2nd) A.Murray 47 yard field goal attempt is no good Center-R.Monteforte Holder-B.Honore.
+17 YD
1 & 10 - HAWAII 47
(0:11 - 2nd) J.Sagapolutele scrambles for 17 yards. J.Sagapolutele ran out of bounds.
+10 YD
1 & 10 - CAL 43
(0:16 - 2nd) J.Sagapolutele pass complete. Catch made by Q.Adams for 10 yards. Tackled by P.Manuma at HAW 47.
+17 YD
1 & 10 - CAL 26
(0:22 - 2nd) J.Sagapolutele pass complete. Catch made by Q.Adams for 17 yards. Tackled by V.Edwards at CAL 43.
Kickoff
(0:27 - 2nd) S.Olvera-Harle kicks 53 yards from HAW 35 to the CAL 12. J.De Jesus returns the kickoff. Tackled by L.Sims at CAL 26.
HAW
Rainbow Warriors
- Field Goal (7 plays, 21 yards, 1:18 poss)
Result
Play
Field Goal
4 & 6 - CAL 19
(0:31 - 2nd) K.Matsuzawa 29 yard field goal attempt is good Center-J.Mowrey Holder-Z.Mariteragi.
No Gain
3 & 6 - CAL 11
(0:34 - 2nd) M.Alejado steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for N.Cenacle.
+4 YD
2 & 10 - CAL 15
(0:42 - 2nd) M.Alejado pass complete. Catch made by N.Cenacle for 4 yards. Tackled by CAL at CAL 11.
No Gain
1 & 10 - CAL 15
(0:48 - 2nd) M.Alejado steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for K.Pupunu.
+3 YD
3 & 11 - CAL 33
(0:54 - 2nd) M.Alejado pass complete. Catch made by N.Cenacle for 3 yards. Tackled by J.Wagoner at CAL 30. PENALTY on CAL-J.Wagoner Face Mask (15 Yards) 15 yards accepted.
No Gain
3 & 1 - CAL 23
(1:03 - 2nd) M.Alejado rushed for yards. M.Alejado ran out of bounds. PENALTY on HAW-D.Tauaefa Offensive Holding 10 yards accepted. No Play.
+9 YD
2 & 10 - CAL 32
(1:36 - 2nd) M.Alejado pass complete. Catch made by K.Pupunu for 9 yards. Tackled by C.Uluave at CAL 23.
No Gain
1 & 10 - CAL 32
(1:45 - 2nd) M.Alejado steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for D.Tauaefa.
CAL
Golden Bears
- Blocked Punt (6 plays, 12 yards, 2:12 poss)
Result
Play
Punt
4 & 13 - CAL 26
(1:50 - 2nd) M.Kern punts 6 yards to CAL 32 Center-R.Monteforte. HAW blocked the kick. Out of bounds.
No Gain
3 & 13 - CAL 26
(1:55 - 2nd) J.Sagapolutele steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for Q.Adams.
Penalty
3 & 8 - CAL 31
(1:55 - 2nd) PENALTY on CAL-J.Spasojevic-Moko False Start 5 yards accepted. No Play.
No Gain
2 & 8 - CAL 31
(2:00 - 2nd) K.Raphael rushed for 0 yards. Tackled by T.Jones W.Ho'ohuli at CAL 31.
+2 YD
1 & 10 - CAL 29
(2:26 - 2nd) K.Raphael rushed for 2 yards. Tackled by at CAL 31.
+10 YD
3 & 5 - CAL 19
(2:37 - 2nd) J.Sagapolutele pass complete. Catch made by J.De Jesus for 10 yards. Tackled by K.Akana at CAL 29. PENALTY on HAW-E.Spencer Defensive Offside 5 yards declined.
+4 YD
2 & 9 - CAL 15
(3:16 - 2nd) J.Sagapolutele pass complete. Catch made by T.Grizzell for 4 yards. Tackled by E.Palmer at CAL 19.
+1 YD
1 & 10 - CAL 14
(3:54 - 2nd) K.Raphael rushed for 1 yards. Tackled by W.Ho'ohuli at CAL 15.
Kickoff
(3:57 - 2nd) S.Olvera-Harle kicks 60 yards from HAW 35 to the CAL 5. J.De Jesus returns the kickoff. Tackled by S.Olvera-Harle at CAL 24. PENALTY on CAL-A.Hampton Defensive Holding 10 yards accepted.
HAW
Rainbow Warriors
- Touchdown (12 plays, 75 yards, 5:41 poss)
Result
Play
PAT Good
(3:57 - 2nd) K.Matsuzawa extra point is good.
+13 YD
2 & 4 - CAL 13
(4:03 - 2nd) M.Alejado pass complete. Catch made by P.Ashlock for 13 yards. TOUCHDOWN.
+6 YD
1 & 10 - CAL 19
(4:42 - 2nd) C.Barfield rushed for 6 yards. Tackled by N.Burrell H.Taggart at CAL 13.
+7 YD
3 & 7 - CAL 26
(5:26 - 2nd) M.Alejado pass complete. Catch made by L.Sims for 6 yards. Tackled by Q.Shemwell at CAL 20. The Replay Official reviewed the short of the line to gain and the play was overturned. M.Alejado pass complete. Catch made by L.Sims for 7 yards. Tackled by Q.Shemwell at CAL 19.
+3 YD
2 & 10 - CAL 29
(6:09 - 2nd) M.Alejado pass complete. Catch made by P.Ashlock for 3 yards. Tackled by at CAL 26.
No Gain
1 & 10 - CAL 29
(6:19 - 2nd) M.Alejado steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for T.Uiliata.
+7 YD
4 & 1 - CAL 36
(6:58 - 2nd) M.Alejado pass complete. Catch made by D.Tauaefa for 7 yards. Tackled by A.Manutai at CAL 29.
+4 YD
3 & 5 - CAL 40
(7:41 - 2nd) M.Alejado scrambles for 4 yards. Tackled by D.Wilkins C.Victor at CAL 36.
No Gain
2 & 5 - CAL 40
(7:48 - 2nd) M.Alejado steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for B.White.
+5 YD
1 & 10 - CAL 45
(8:17 - 2nd) M.Alejado pass complete. Catch made by P.Ashlock for 5 yards. Tackled by D.Polidore at CAL 40.
+30 YD
3 & 10 - HAWAII 25
(9:03 - 2nd) M.Alejado pass complete. Catch made by P.Ashlock for 30 yards. Tackled by Q.Shemwell at CAL 45.
No Gain
2 & 10 - HAWAII 25
(9:08 - 2nd) M.Alejado steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for P.Ashlock.
Penalty
2 & 5 - HAWAII 30
(9:17 - 2nd) PENALTY on HAW-D.Briski False Start 5 yards accepted. No Play.
+5 YD
1 & 10 - HAWAII 25
(9:38 - 2nd) M.Alejado pass complete. Catch made by P.Ashlock for 5 yards. Tackled by B.Austin J.Wagoner at HAW 30.
Kickoff
(9:38 - 2nd) A.Murray kicks 65 yards from CAL 35 to the HAW End Zone. Touchback.
CAL
Golden Bears
- Touchdown (8 plays, 49 yards, 3:13 poss)
Result
Play
PAT Good
(9:38 - 2nd) C.Meyer extra point is good.
+8 YD
1 & Goal - HAWAII 8
(9:44 - 2nd) A.League rushed for 8 yards. TOUCHDOWN.
+7 YD
2 & 6 - HAWAII 15
(10:08 - 2nd) A.League rushed for 7 yards. Tackled by D.Benton at HAW 8.
+4 YD
1 & 10 - HAWAII 19
(10:36 - 2nd) A.League rushed for 4 yards. Tackled by D.Benton at HAW 15.
+3 YD
2 & 2 - HAWAII 22
(11:03 - 2nd) J.Sagapolutele scrambles for 3 yards. Pushed out of bounds by HAW at HAW 19.
+8 YD
1 & 10 - HAWAII 30
(12:00 - 2nd) J.Sagapolutele pass complete. Catch made by Q.Adams for 8 yards. Tackled by G.Iovino at HAW 22. The Replay Official reviewed the runner was down by contact and the play was upheld.
+19 YD
3 & 10 - HAWAII 49
(12:41 - 2nd) J.Sagapolutele pass complete. Catch made by J.De Jesus for 19 yards. Tackled by at HAW 30.
No Gain
2 & 10 - HAWAII 49
(12:48 - 2nd) J.Sagapolutele steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for J.De Jesus.
No Gain
1 & 10 - HAWAII 49
(12:51 - 2nd) J.Sagapolutele steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for J.De Jesus.
HAW
Rainbow Warriors
- Punt (5 plays, 16 yards, 2:04 poss)
Result
Play
Punt
4 & 20 - HAWAII 41
(13:06 - 2nd) B.Gowers punts 42 yards to CAL 17 Center-J.Mowrey. J.De Jesus returned punt from the CAL 17. Tackled by B.Kamoku at HAW 49.
No Gain
3 & 20 - HAWAII 41
(13:13 - 2nd) M.Alejado steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for B.White.
No Gain
2 & 20 - HAWAII 41
(13:18 - 2nd) M.Alejado steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for C.Barfield.
No Gain
1 & 20 - HAWAII 41
(13:23 - 2nd) M.Alejado steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for P.Ashlock.
Penalty
1 & 10 - CAL 49
(13:47 - 2nd) M.Alejado pass complete. Catch made by B.Kamoku for yards. Tackled by CAL at CAL 44. PENALTY on HAW-N.Delgadillo Offensive Holding 10 yards accepted. No Play.
+22 YD
2 & 6 - HAWAII 29
(14:19 - 2nd) M.Alejado pass complete. Catch made by K.Pupunu for 22 yards. Tackled by L.Ferrelli at CAL 49.
+4 YD
1 & 10 - HAWAII 25
(14:55 - 2nd) C.Barfield rushed for 4 yards. Tackled by H.Masses C.Victor at HAW 29.
Kickoff
(14:55 - 2nd) A.Murray kicks 65 yards from CAL 35 to the HAW End Zone. Touchback.
CAL
Golden Bears
- Touchdown (8 plays, 68 yards, 3:02 poss)
Result
Play
PAT Good
(14:55 - 2nd) C.Meyer extra point is good.
+19 YD
3 & 2 - HAWAII 19
(15:00 - 2nd) K.Raphael rushed for 19 yards. TOUCHDOWN.
+13 YD
2 & 15 - HAWAII 32
(0:10 - 1st) J.Sagapolutele pass complete. Catch made by J.De Jesus for 13 yards. Tackled by V.Edwards at HAW 19.
Penalty
2 & 10 - HAWAII 27
(0:10 - 1st) PENALTY on CAL-J.Spasojevic-Moko False Start 5 yards accepted. No Play.
No Gain
1 & 10 - HAWAII 27
(0:17 - 1st) J.Sagapolutele steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for T.Grizzell.
+14 YD
2 & 10 - HAWAII 41
(0:53 - 1st) J.Sagapolutele pass complete. Catch made by J.De Jesus for 14 yards. J.De Jesus ran out of bounds.
No Gain
1 & 10 - HAWAII 41
(0:57 - 1st) J.Sagapolutele steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for L.Morris.
+10 YD
1 & 10 - CAL 49
(1:38 - 1st) J.Sagapolutele pass complete. Catch made by T.Grizzell for 10 yards. Tackled by P.Manuma at HAW 41.
+9 YD
2 & 2 - CAL 40
(2:09 - 1st) Q.Adams rushed for 9 yards. Tackled by P.Manuma at CAL 49.
+8 YD
1 & 10 - CAL 32
(2:57 - 1st) K.Raphael rushed for 8 yards. Tackled by G.Iovino K.Mendiola-Jensen at CAL 40.
HAW
Rainbow Warriors
- Missed FG (9 plays, 29 yards, 4:04 poss)
Result
Play
No Good
4 & 3 - CAL 40
(3:01 - 1st) K.Matsuzawa 50 yard field goal attempt is no good Center-J.Mowrey Holder-Z.Mariteragi.
No Gain
3 & 3 - CAL 32
(3:09 - 1st) M.Alejado steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for N.Cenacle.
No Gain
2 & 3 - CAL 32
(3:44 - 1st) D.Davis rushed for 0 yards. Tackled by H.Taggart T.Bollers at CAL 32.
+7 YD
1 & 10 - CAL 39
(4:14 - 1st) M.Alejado pass complete. Catch made by P.Ashlock for 7 yards. Tackled by B.Austin at CAL 32.
+12 YD
1 & 10 - HAWAII 49
(4:41 - 1st) M.Alejado scrambles for 12 yards. Tackled by CAL at CAL 39.
+1 YD
4 & 1 - HAWAII 48
(5:21 - 1st) C.Barfield rushed for 1 yards. Tackled by B.Austin C.Uluave at HAW 49.
+4 YD
3 & 5 - HAWAII 44
(5:50 - 1st) M.Alejado pass complete. Catch made by N.Cenacle for 4 yards. Tackled by J.Wagoner at HAW 48.
+2 YD
2 & 7 - HAWAII 42
(6:27 - 1st) L.Sims rushed for 2 yards. Tackled by D.Polidore H.Taggart at HAW 44.
+3 YD
1 & 10 - HAWAII 39
(6:54 - 1st) L.Sims rushed for 3 yards. Tackled by J.McLellan at HAW 42.
Kickoff
(7:01 - 1st) A.Murray kicks 66 yards from CAL 20 to the HAW 14. C.Barfield returns the kickoff. Tackled by A.Hampton at HAW 39.
CAL
Golden Bears
- Touchdown (8 plays, 87 yards, 4:11 poss)
Result
Play
Penalty
(7:01 - 1st) PENALTY on CAL-J.Sagapolutele Unsportsmanlike Conduct / Offense 15 yards accepted. No Play.
PAT Good
(7:01 - 1st) C.Meyer extra point is good.
+41 YD
1 & 10 - HAWAII 41
(7:07 - 1st) J.Sagapolutele pass complete. Catch made by J.De Jesus for 41 yards. TOUCHDOWN.
+5 YD
2 & 2 - HAWAII 46
(7:43 - 1st) J.Sagapolutele pass complete. Catch made by Q.Adams for 5 yards. Tackled by P.Manuma at HAW 41.
+8 YD
1 & 10 - CAL 46
(8:26 - 1st) J.Sagapolutele pass complete. Catch made by Q.Adams for 8 yards. Tackled by K.Mendiola-Jensen; T.Jones at HAW 46.
+12 YD
1 & 10 - CAL 34
(8:59 - 1st) K.Raphael rushed for 12 yards. Tackled by P.Manuma; V.Edwards at CAL 46.
+7 YD
2 & 6 - CAL 27
(9:34 - 1st) K.Raphael rushed for 7 yards. Tackled by J.Wilson-Jones; L.McCoy at CAL 34.
+4 YD
1 & 10 - CAL 23
(10:01 - 1st) J.De Jesus rushed for 4 yards. Tackled by T.Jones G.Iovino at CAL 27.
+12 YD
2 & 12 - CAL 11
(10:37 - 1st) J.Sagapolutele pass complete. Catch made by T.Grizzell for 12 yards. Tackled by J.Smith at CAL 23.
-2 YD
1 & 10 - CAL 13
(11:12 - 1st) J.Sagapolutele pass complete. Catch made by J.De Jesus for -2 yards. Tackled by E.Palmer at CAL 11.
HAW
Rainbow Warriors
- Punt (7 plays, 13 yards, 3:48 poss)
Result
Play
Punt
4 & 12 - HAWAII 38
(11:21 - 1st) B.Gowers punts 49 yards to CAL 13 Center-J.Mowrey. J.De Jesus returned punt from the CAL 13. Tackled by J.Wilson-Jones at CAL 13.
No Gain
3 & 12 - HAWAII 38
(11:31 - 1st) M.Alejado steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for P.Ashlock.
No Gain
2 & 12 - HAWAII 38
(12:08 - 1st) M.Alejado pass complete. Catch made by L.Sims for 0 yards. Tackled by C.Uluave at HAW 38.
+3 YD
1 & 15 - HAWAII 35
(12:35 - 1st) M.Alejado pass complete. Catch made by N.Cenacle for 3 yards. Tackled by A.Manutai at HAW 38.
Penalty
1 & 10 - HAWAII 40
(12:49 - 1st) PENALTY on HAW-D.Briski False Start 5 yards accepted. No Play.
+6 YD
4 & 1 - HAWAII 34
(13:16 - 1st) T.Uiliata rushed for 6 yards. Tackled by J.Wagoner at HAW 40.
+4 YD
3 & 5 - HAWAII 30
(14:05 - 1st) M.Alejado pass complete. Catch made by P.Ashlock for 4 yards. Tackled by J.Wagoner at HAW 34.
No Gain
2 & 5 - HAWAII 30
(14:43 - 1st) L.Sims rushed for 0 yards. Tackled by C.Uluave at HAW 30.
+5 YD
1 & 10 - HAWAII 25
(15:00 - 1st) M.Alejado pass complete. Catch made by D.Tauaefa for 5 yards. D.Tauaefa ran out of bounds.
Kickoff
(15:00 - 1st) A.Murray kicks 62 yards from CAL 35 to the HAW 3. Fair catch by C.Barfield.
