Oregon State falls to Cal in 2025 season opener

CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) — Freshman Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele debuted at quarterback for California and threw for 234 yards and three touchdowns in a 34-15 victory over Oregon State on Saturday night.

Sagapolutele, who originally enrolled at Oregon but transferred to Cal, completed 20 of 30 passes. The only other freshman to start in an opener for the Golden Bears was Jared Goff.

Oregon State quarterback Maalik Murphy, a Duke transfer, threw for 244 yards with an interception. Trent Walker had nine catches for 136 yards.

Mason Mini caught a 19-yard scoring pass from Sagapolutele on Cal’s first possession. Sagapolutele found Trond Grizzell — who had a 35-yard reception on the opening drive — with a 32-yard touchdown pass.

The teams used to be foes in the Pac-12, but Cal bolted for the ACC. The Beavers are playing as an independent this season before the revival of a new-look Pac-12 next season.

The new conference will launch with Washington State and Oregon State, the two teams that remained after league imploded in the summer of 2023. Joining them will be Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, Texas State, Utah State and non-football member Gonzaga.