Cal Coach Withholds Starting Quarterback Against SMU

Tosh Lupoi remains silent on the team's starter ahead of the Golden Bears' upcoming road matchup.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Football

Cal Coach Withholds Starting Quarterback Against SMU

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Cal head coach Tosh Lupoi has not named a starting quarterback for Saturday's game against SMU, leaving both Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele and Jackson Brousseau as options. The coach is withholding the final decision to prevent the opponent from gaining a preparation advantage.

Why it matters

Lupoi stated his final selection will prioritize the individual who gives the team the best chance to win against a formidable opponent. Cal enters the contest as a significant underdog in the ACC matchup.

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele holds a 137.40 passer rating this season compared to Jackson Brousseau's 119.82. Cal is currently a 19.5-point underdog against an SMU defense that allows an average of 164.8 passing yards per game.

The players

Tosh Lupoi

Tosh Lupoi serves as the head coach for the University of California, Berkeley football program.

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele is a quarterback for the Cal Golden Bears and is a projected first-round pick in the 2028 NFL draft.

Jackson Brousseau

Jackson Brousseau is a quarterback for the Cal Golden Bears who started the game against Wake Forest.

The details

Tosh Lupoi previously started Brousseau against Wake Forest, though Sagapolutele demonstrated efficiency by completing 15 of 18 passes for 110 yards and a touchdown in that same outing. Lupoi opted for Brousseau in that match because he was fully available for the week's practice, whereas Sagapolutele was only declared available the Friday before kickoff.

Tosh Lupoi spoke to the media regarding the team's status on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele was declared available for the Wake Forest game on October 24, 2026.
The Cal football team is scheduled to play at SMU at 9 a.m. PT on October 24, 2026.

Season Trajectory

Cal's current 3-4 overall record is heavily influenced by the competitive rigors of the ACC following the 2024 SMU entry into the conference. This quarterback decision reflects a crucial attempt to stabilize the offense as the Golden Bears navigate their mid-season schedule.

The choice between Sagapolutele and Brousseau will determine the offensive rhythm against an SMU defense that currently allows only 164.8 passing yards per game. Fantasy projections and team scoring output hinge on whether the starter can surpass the 81-yard passing performance recorded by Brousseau against Wake Forest.

The takeaway

Maintaining competitive secrecy regarding personnel is a common strategy to mitigate defensive preparation by opponents. Fans should monitor pre-game warmups on Saturday to determine which quarterback takes the field as the starter.