The California Golden Bears experienced a mixed 2025 college football season, finishing 7-6 despite impressive wins and frustrating losses. Their former quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, achieved national championship success and a Heisman with Indiana, yet Cal fans didn't miss him due to the emergence of true freshman Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele. Sagapolutele's sensational debut, throwing for 3,454 yards and 18 touchdowns, largely went unnoticed because of the team's mediocre record and challenging schedule.

Despite the firing of head coach Justin Wilcox, Sagapolutele chose to remain with the Golden Bears, making them an intriguing sleeper in the 2026 ACC season. New head coach Tosh Lupoi is expected to elevate the team, having recruited new talent around Sagapolutele and revamped the defense. With a more manageable schedule and a star quarterback, Cal is positioned to capitalize on the ACC's competitive landscape, with predictions for them to win the conference and Sagapolutele to contend for the Heisman.