In a thrilling conclusion to a tumultuous season, the California Golden Bears delivered a remarkable performance, overcoming significant challenges to defeat the No. 21 Southern Methodist University (SMU) Mustangs 38-35 on November 29, 2025. Freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele showcased his talent with a career-high 330 passing yards and four touchdowns, culminating in a game-winning 75-yard drive in the final moments.
Emotional Victory Amid Uncertainty
This victory comes on the heels of a difficult week for Cal football, which saw the team lose to rival Stanford and then part ways with nine-year head coach Justin Wilcox. Interim coach Nick Rolovich, who had previously served as a senior offensive analyst, expressed his pride in the team’s ability to rally under pressure. “What a football game,” he said, highlighting the Bears’ resilience as they surrendered a 31-14 lead before securing the win.
In front of 28,956 fans at Memorial Stadium, Sagapolutele demonstrated remarkable composure, completing all five of his passes for 61 yards during the decisive drive. Rolovich commended Sagapolutele for his competitive spirit and accuracy, indicating that the freshman’s focus was on winning rather than personal statistics.
With this victory, the Bears improved to a record of 7-5 and achieved their first winning season since 2019. Additionally, they secured a non-losing conference record for the first time since 2009, while halting SMU’s bid for a second consecutive appearance in the ACC Championship Game.
Key Performances and Contributions
The game’s outcome was determined by a crucial touchdown from running back Kendrick Raphael, who scored with just 43 seconds remaining, capping off a stellar night with 111 rushing yards on 33 carries. After Raphael’s touchdown, SMU attempted a quick retaliation but was thwarted when freshman kicker Sam Keltner missed a 52-yard field goal attempt, sealing Cal’s victory.
Senior wide receiver Jacob De Jesus played a pivotal role in the game, contributing a touchdown and finishing with 12 receptions for 97 yards. De Jesus’s performance pushed him to second place on Cal’s single-season reception list, just one catch shy of the program record.
Sagapolutele’s three touchdown passes to lesser-utilized receivers highlighted the depth of talent within the team. Notably, sophomore Jaiven Plummer, who caught a 35-yard touchdown, and QuaRon Adams, who scored his first career touchdown, both made significant contributions.
As the Bears prepare for the upcoming bowl game, they will reflect on this emotional victory, which served as a powerful reminder of their resilience and unity in the face of adversity. The team is expected to learn its bowl assignment next Sunday, marking a new chapter in the program’s journey.
With the season concluding on a high note, the Bears have an opportunity to build on this momentum, despite the uncertainties surrounding the coaching staff and player commitments moving forward.
