‘Replacing Sagapolutele Won’t Be Easy,’ ‘Why Go Thru Pregame Warm Up’ — Fans React as Jackson Brousseau Gets First Cal Start vs. Virginia Tech

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Cal kicked off against Virginia Tech on Saturday afternoon without its starter under center. Sophomore quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele is not playing as he works his way back from a concussion, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported shortly before kickoff in Berkeley, citing sources.

Thamel reported that backup Jackson Brousseau will start in his place. Sagapolutele was hurt late in the first half of last week’s 39-31 loss at UNLV and did not return.

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“Jackson Brousseau will start for Cal, his first start as a Golden Bear,” Thamel wrote on X, adding that Brousseau started eight games at Colorado State last year.

Cal coach Tosh Lupoi said Tuesday that Sagapolutele was in concussion protocol and had been present at practice that day but did not take part in its full-contact portion.

Answering Thamel’s report, Andy Bitter wrote that Sagapolutele had gone through warmups, “perhaps just for show.”

The injury itself came late in the second quarter at UNLV. Sagapolutele was tackled from behind after a throw, and his helmet slammed into the Allegiant Stadium turf. He briefly tried to stay in the game, then stumbled out of the huddle and was escorted to the sideline.

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“I personally just was not comfortable with the way he came off the field, literally wobbling,” Lupoi said after the game, explaining why he kept Sagapolutele out even though the quarterback had been medically cleared to return.

That pregame work prompted a question. “Why go thru pregame warm up if you have a concussion?” one fan asked.

On Tuesday, Lupoi said Sagapolutele had a concussion in the game and went back over the halftime decision in Las Vegas. “I was actually told he was cleared and ready to go in the game at halftime. I was very uncomfortable with that.”

Lupoi added that Cal’s concussion protocol is very strict, with players tested multiple times every day, and that he would defer to the medical staff.

Brousseau took over at UNLV with Cal trailing 24-7 and threw for 200 yards on 19-of-32 passing with two touchdowns and no interceptions. The Bears scored 18 straight points to lead 25-24 early in the fourth quarter before UNLV answered with 15 points in the final 10 minutes.

“His experience from Colorado State should help, but replacing Sagapolutele won’t be easy,” another fan replied.

Brousseau completed 128 of 201 passes for 1,354 yards and nine touchdowns at Colorado State last season, with a season-high 323 yards against Air Force. Sagapolutele threw for 3,454 yards with 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions as a true freshman in 2025.

By Pro Football Network’s measure, Sagapolutele’s PFN Impact grade of 67.8 through Week 5 ranks 133rd of 165 graded and qualified FBS quarterbacks. Brousseau’s PFN Impact grade of 65 through Week 5 ranks tied for 145th of 165 graded and qualified FBS quarterbacks.

Sagapolutele went 24-of-39 for 286 yards and a touchdown against the Hokies last season in a 42-34 double-overtime Virginia Tech win in Blacksburg. Virginia Tech defensive back Isaiah Brown-Murray said Monday that Sagapolutele was “probably one of the best quarterbacks we’re going to play this year.” He added that Brousseau is pretty good, too.

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A backup quarterback across the field raised expectations. “Respectfully, win this game by 100,” one Virginia Tech fan wrote.

The Hokies are 4-1 and coming off a 35-33 home loss to Pitt on Oct. 2, when John Love missed a 36-yard field goal on the final play. Virginia Tech outgained the Panthers 499-295 but committed four turnovers to Pitt’s none.

“James Franklin gets bailed out,” another replied.

Virginia Tech coach James Franklin said Monday that there is a fine line between winning and losing in college football. He called Cal a talented team and said he expects Lupoi to have the Bears ready.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

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