Tue Sep 02 14:40:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
California defeated Oregon State 34-15 in the season opener, showcasing a strong performance led by freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who threw for 324 yards and three touchdowns. Oregon State struggled in the first half but improved in the second, though they couldn’t overcome the early deficit. Wide receiver Trent Walker stood out for the Beavers with 136 receiving yards. California effectively contained Oregon State’s running game, limiting star running back Anthony Hankerson. Oregon State’s quarterback Maalik Murphy showed promise in his first start, especially in the second half. Both Murphy and Coach Trent Bray emphasized the need for improvement and execution moving forward.
**News Article:**
**Cal Dominates Oregon State in Season Opener, Freshman QB Shines**
**Corvallis, OR** – The California Golden Bears kicked off their season in impressive fashion, defeating the Oregon State Beavers 34-15 at Reser Stadium Thursday night. True freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele stole the show in his college debut, throwing for an impressive 324 yards and three touchdowns, leading Cal to a decisive victory.
Oregon State struggled early, falling behind 17-3 in the first half. While they showed improvement in the second half, scoring 12 points, they couldn’t close the gap. “It just wasn’t a clean game,” said Beavers Head Coach Trent Bray. “Not what we were hoping for at all in our first game.”
Despite the loss, Oregon State receiver Trent Walker had a standout performance, racking up 136 receiving yards. However, the Beavers’ usually potent rushing attack, led by Anthony Hankerson, was largely contained by the California defense.
Quarterback Maalik Murphy, making his first start for Oregon State, completed 21 of 33 passes for 244 yards. While showing flashes of potential, he also acknowledged the need for improvement. “I think we’ve got to improve on everything, not just communication,” Murphy said. “I’ve got to be better giving them the right signals, giving them the right assignments and they’ve got to do a great job of hearing it all.”
Coach Bray echoed Murphy’s sentiment, emphasizing the importance of execution moving forward. The Beavers will look to rebound next Saturday when they host Fresno State at Reser Stadium.