PALO ALTO, Calif. — California outgained Stanford, controlled possession for more than 32 minutes, and moved the ball consistently through the air. But three fumbles — including two returned for Stanford touchdowns — proved decisive in a 31–10 loss in the 127th Big Game on Saturday at Stanford Stadium.
Cal led 10–7 late in the second quarter behind a 15-play scoring drive and a steady passing performance from freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele. However, the Bears’ turnovers created short fields and direct scores that shifted the matchup in Stanford’s favor despite Cal holding the statistical edge in most major categories.
Sagapolutele completed 33 of 49 attempts for 269 yards, giving Cal consistent movement between the 20s. Trond Grizzell led the team with nine receptions for 104 yards, while Jacob De Jesus added 96 yards on 14 catches. Cal finished with 285 passing yards compared to Stanford’s 123.
Kendrick Raphael led Cal’s rushing effort with 47 yards on 15 carries. Despite Stanford’s defensive pressure, the Bears generated 15 first downs and sustained multiple long drives.
Stanford’s offense totaled 282 yards — fewer than Cal — relying heavily on running back Micah Ford, who carried 29 times for 150 yards and one touchdown. Quarterback Elijah Brown completed just 10 passes but connected on a single touchdown throw.
Entering the fourth quarter down 17–10, Cal’s defense held firm for most of the game but faced challenging field position following turnovers. Stanford opened the final quarter with a 20-yard touchdown drive after a Cal fumble. On the next Cal possession, the Bears went three-and-out, backing up their defense again. Stanford then moved 58 yards for another score to extend the lead to 31–10.
Cal responded with two late drives that reached Stanford territory, including a 14-play series, but both ended on downs.
Cal held a 297–282 advantage in total yards and a 32:42–26:20 edge in time of possession. The Bears converted seven third downs and allowed no passing touchdowns. Defensively, Aidan Keanaaina recorded 0.5 sacks, and the unit forced two Stanford missed field goals.
However, Cal’s 13 penalties for 123 yards and three lost fumbles limited the Bears’ ability to capitalize on their yardage advantage.
Stanford 31, California 10
Despite controlling most statistical areas, Cal’s turnovers and second-half field-position deficits determined the outcome. The Bears drop to 6–5 while Stanford improves to 4–7.
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