In a dramatic turn of events at the Hawaii Bowl on December 27, 2023, the Cal Bears squandered a 21-point lead, losing 35-31 to the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors. Backup quarterback Luke Weaver threw a decisive 13-yard touchdown pass to Nick Cenacle with just 10 seconds remaining, sealing the victory for Hawaii and dashing Cal’s hope for an eight-win season.
The game shifted dramatically in the second half after freshman starter Micah Alejado exited due to injury. Weaver stepped in and led a remarkable comeback for the Rainbow Warriors, who were down 21-0 early in the contest. The Bears had taken control, with freshman Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele scoring on a 1-yard quarterback sneak, briefly putting Cal ahead 31-28 with only 1:57 left on the clock.
Hawaii’s response was swift, culminating in a 68-yard drive that featured ten plays, ultimately ending with Weaver’s touchdown pass. As the final whistle blew, a brief confrontation occurred between the teams, but tensions quickly dissipated.
Cal entered the match under the leadership of interim head coach Nick Rolovich, a former Hawaii quarterback. The Bears were seeking a second consecutive victory after a challenging season, finishing with a 7-6 record. The team will transition to a new head coach, Tosh Lupoi, who has been confirmed to lead them starting in the 2026 season, replacing Justin Wilcox after a disappointing loss to Stanford.
During the game, Sagapolutele completed 28 of 39 passes for 323 yards and one touchdown, while teammate Jacob De Jesus had a standout performance, catching nine passes for 137 yards. De Jesus set a new program record for receptions in a season with 108.
The Bears initially dominated, scoring on each of their first three drives, which allowed them to build a commanding 21-0 lead. However, Hawaii began to find its rhythm, with a field goal from All-America kicker Kensei Matsuzawa pulling them within 21-13 shortly before the end of the third quarter.
Cal managed to briefly regain momentum, with a field goal from Chase Meyer extending their lead to 24-21, but Hawaii answered back decisively. Alejado connected with wide receiver Brandon White for a 17-yard touchdown pass, giving the Rainbow Warriors a 28-24 advantage.
After trailing for most of the game, Hawaii completed a stunning turnaround. They tied the score at 31-31 with a successful two-point conversion following a touchdown pass to running back Cam Barfield from Alejado. This comeback marked a significant achievement for Hawaii, who finished the season with a 9-5 record.
Cal’s early success was marked by strong offensive execution, with Sagapolutele throwing a 41-yard touchdown pass to De Jesus during a decisive first-quarter drive. A 19-yard rushing touchdown by Kendrick Raphael and an 8-yard touchdown run from true freshman Anthony League bolstered their early lead. Yet, as the game progressed, Hawaii’s defense began to assert itself, culminating in a blocked punt that led to a critical field goal.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Cal’s season showcased moments of promise, especially with their dynamic freshman talents. As they shift to a new coaching regime, fans will be eager to see how the team builds on this season’s experiences in the years to come.
