UPDATE: In a stunning display of resilience, the Cal Golden Bears overcame a challenging week to deliver a thrilling 38-35 upset victory over the No. 21 SMU Mustangs on the night of November 29, 2025. Freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele threw for a career-high 330 yards and four touchdowns, leading a flawless 75-yard drive in the final minutes to clinch the win in front of 28,956 fans at Memorial Stadium.
The victory comes on the heels of a tumultuous week for Cal football, which saw the firing of long-time coach Justin Wilcox just a day after a disappointing loss to rival Stanford. Interim coach Nick Rolovich praised the team’s determination, stating, “We talked about being ready for a dogfight, expecting to win.” The Bears, now with a record of 7-5, achieved their first winning season since 2019, and denied SMU a trip to the ACC championship game.
Sagapolutele showcased his poise under pressure, completing 5 of 5 passes for 61 yards during the decisive drive after SMU briefly took the lead at 35-31. Running back Kendrick Raphael sealed the game with a two-yard touchdown run, his 111 yards on 33 carries proving crucial.
The Bears initially built a commanding 31-14 lead in the fourth quarter before SMU rallied, reminiscent of last year’s collapse against Miami. Rolovich expressed his admiration for Sagapolutele, emphasizing his competitive spirit over individual statistics. “He’s here for the winning,” Rolovich noted.
Senior wide receiver Jacob De Jesus contributed significantly, catching 12 passes for 97 yards and climbing to second on Cal’s single-season list with 99 receptions. The team rallied not just for themselves but also in honor of their former coach, with players expressing a renewed sense of purpose.
“This was a bumpy road this season,” De Jesus said. “We felt down this week because of the situation, but we decided to play for each other.”
The Bears will learn their bowl game assignment next Sunday, marking a pivotal moment in the program’s journey following a week filled with uncertainty. With the season coming to a close, all eyes will be on how Cal navigates the upcoming challenges, including potential player transfers and the search for a new head coach.
As fans celebrate this unexpected victory, the future of Cal football remains a hot topic. Will this win be a turning point for the program? The coming weeks will reveal much as the Bears look to build on their momentum.
