The tough breaks continue for Oregon: just two days after losing the Rose Bowl to Ohio State, the Ducks will lose four-star quarterback prospect Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele to the transfer portal.
The 6-foot-3 teenager from Hawai’i was ranked as ESPN’s No. 18 pocket passer and flipped his commitment from Cal to Oregon on Signing Day back in early December. Cal also lost starter Fernando Mendoza to Indiana in the transfer portal.
Sagapolutele would have had an opportunity to compete for the quarterback spot set to be vacated by incumbent starter Dillon Gabriel. The talented lefthanded senior completed 29 of his 41 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns in Oregon’s 41-21 blowout loss to Ohio State on Wednesday.
“I just felt that I wasn’t a main priority [at Oregon],” Sagapolutele admitted to ESPN. “Of course, there’s going to be competition anywhere I go. But I’m just looking at other QB rooms and the best place for me to go get on the field early.”
Oregon also secured the commitment of quarterback Akili Smith Jr. in the early signing period. Smith Jr. was ranked No. 87 in the ESPN 300 and is the son of former NFL QB Akili Smith. The Ducks may also turn to 2024 backups Dante Moore or Austin Novosad.
2024 was a banner year for Gabriel – he threw for 3,857 yards and 30 touchdowns to go along with a sparking 86.4 QBR. He remained in contention for the Heisman Trophy until late in the year even as the Ducks coasted to a perfect regular season record.
Gabriel, a fellow Hawaiin, spoke glowingly of Sagapolutele upon his original commitment. I thought highly of [Sagapolutele] when I’d watch him when I’d go back home and throw,” the Oregon quarterback admitted.
“But I think when I saw him at the Elite 11 around the top-level guys, the dude can sling it. He’s got pop behind his arm. Of course, I’m a little biased with him being a lefty,” Gabriel continued. “But also, it wouldn’t take anyone to see it. Just go watch this kid throw live. He’s got pop. He can sling it with the best of them…More importantly, I know what type of kid he is and being from Hawaii. I’m proud of him.”
Oregon has a proud history of quarterbacks, including Bo Nix, Justin Herbert, and Marcus Mariota in recent seasons. Gabriel figures to follow them into the NFL. Oregon’s Rose Bowl opponents, No. 4 Ohio State, will face No. 5 Texas on Jan. 10 in the College Football Playoffs Semifinal.
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