WEEK 6, 2026
VIRGINIA TECH (2-3, 0-2) @ #19 CALIFORNIA (5-0, 2-0)
10/10/26 • 4 PM • 73° • 0% CHANCE OF RAIN
California Memorial Stadium • Berkeley, CA
BERKELEY, CA • Behind another dazzling performance from quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, No. 19 California remained unbeaten Saturday afternoon, defeating Virginia Tech 40-17 at California Memorial Stadium to improve to 6-0 (3-0 ACC).
Sagapolutele turned in another efficient performance, completing 28 of 35 passes (80%) for 338 yards and three touchdowns while never throwing the Hokies an opportunity. He spread the ball around to multiple targets, consistently dissecting Virginia Tech's secondary and keeping the Bears ahead from the opening minutes.
The game's defining moment came less than five minutes into the first quarter.
With Virginia Tech driving, Cal defensive back Marquis Groves-Killebrew was at the right place at the right time, catching a tipped pass and racing 89 yards for a pick-six, igniting Memorial Stadium and giving the Bears an early 7-0 advantage.
Moments later, Sagapolutele found Dajuan McKinley for a 9-yard touchdown strike, and suddenly California owned a commanding 14-0 lead before Virginia Tech could settle in.
The Bears' defense never let the Hokies find a rhythm.
Virginia Tech committed three interceptions, all leading to momentum swings for California, while the Bears finished with a +3 turnover margin. Even when the Hokies moved the football—375 total yards—they repeatedly sabotaged themselves with giveaways in critical situations.
JKS connected with Chase Hendricks on a 10-yard scoring strike late in the second quarter, then tight end Mason Mini on a 19-yard touchdown in the fourth to put the game out of reach.
Kicker Towns McGough quietly had another outstanding afternoon.
McGough drilled field goals from 22, 19, 34, and 40 yards, accounting for 16 points while remaining automatic whenever California's offense stalled.
The Bears have now won six straight games behind an offense that has become increasingly explosive and a defense that thrives on creating takeaways.
Perhaps most impressive, California once again played clean football—zero turnovers—while forcing three of its own, a formula that continues to separate the Bears from the rest of the conference.
With ACC play heating up, California is no longer just an early-season surprise.
They're beginning to look like a legitimate conference title contender.
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