Cal opened its 2025 football season with a 34-15 win over Oregon State in Corvallis, marking the team’s fourth consecutive season-opening victory. The win also ended a two-game road losing streak against Oregon State and was Cal’s first victory in Corvallis since 2018.
Head coach Justin Wilcox improved his record to 6-3 in season openers at Cal.
Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele became only the second true freshman quarterback to start a season opener for the Golden Bears, joining Jared Goff who did so in 2013. Sagapolutele is also the first Cal true freshman quarterback to win a season opener. He completed his first nine passes and finished the game with 20 completions on 30 attempts for 234 yards and three touchdowns.
Tight end Landon Morris caught a four-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, his second career touchdown and first at Cal. Tight end Mason Mini recorded his first career touchdown catch in the first quarter, while wide receiver Trond Grizzell caught his seventh career touchdown pass during the same period. Tight end Jeffrey Johnson had a career-long 20-yard reception in the second quarter.
On defense, Brent Austin forced his first career fumble in the second quarter, which was recovered by Ryan McCulloch for his first career recovery. Defensive back Hezekiah Masses returned an interception for 41 yards in the fourth quarter; it was his first interception at Cal and third of his collegiate career.
Placekicker Abram Murray scored his first points for Cal with a successful 49-yard field goal as time expired in the first half. Running back Brandon High Jr. added a two-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter—his ninth collegiate score but first at Cal.
The Golden Bears were efficient inside the red zone, scoring touchdowns on both trips after converting just over half their red zone opportunities last season (24-of-47). The offensive line did not allow any sacks during the game.
A total of 29 players made their debut appearances for Cal, including several freshmen and transfers across offense, defense, and special teams. Fifteen players started their first games as Golden Bears: eight on offense—including Sagapolutele—and seven on defense.
Cal will play its home opener against Texas Southern next Saturday, September 6 at California Memorial Stadium.
