LOUISVILLE, Ky. – November 9, 2025 – In a stunning upset that will reverberate through the rest of the season, the California Golden Bears edged the Louisville Cardinals 29‑26 in overtime at L&N Stadium, handing the Cardinals their second straight defeat in high‑stakes fashion while reviving Cal’s bowl hopes.
Game Flow & Turning Point
Cal jumped out to a 17–13 halftime lead, paced by a 39‑yard touchdown by running back Kendrick Raphael and sharp work from freshman quarterback Jaron‑Keawe Sagapolutele (who completed 30 of 47 passes for 323 yards and two touchdowns). Louisville rallied in the second half, tying the game at 26–26 with a field goal in the final seconds of regulation.
In overtime, Cal won the coin toss, chose to receive, and immediately drove to the 3‑yard line. On a bold 4th‑and‑goal call, Sagapolutele connected with Jacob De Jesus for the game‑winning touchdown, electrifying the Cal sideline and halting Louisville’s ascendant momentum.
Implications for Both Programs
For Cal:
- The Golden Bears improve to 6‑4 (3‑3 in the ACC) and lock in bowl eligibility for a third straight season—a substantial turnaround given earlier turbulence.
- The victory is their first over a ranked opponent since 2020 and breaks a 14‑game losing streak against Top‑25 teams, shifting the program’s narrative towards resilience and resurgence.
- Sagapolutele’s breakout performance coupled with De Jesus’ record‑tying 16 receptions signal a new offensive identity—one built around chance‑creation and trust in young talent.
For Louisville:
- The loss drops the Cardinals to 7‑2 (4‑2 in the ACC), but more significantly dismantles their previously formidable profile as a playoff contender.
- Their inability to finish in regulation—despite controlling large stretches—raises concerns about execution, momentum and the mental edge necessary in crunch time.
- The result forces introspection of the program’s depth and readiness; fatigue, penalties and late‑game indecision will now be focal points.
Key Takeaways
- Cal’s decision to go for the win in overtime rather than settle for a field goal is emblematic of their newfound assertiveness and belief in this roster.
- Louisville’s setback underscores how even a strong team can be undone by lacking killer‑instinct and consistency in critical moments.
- Turnover margin, red‑zone efficiency and special‑teams control were all tilted in favor of Cal—small margins that produced a large outcome.
What to Watch Next
- Cal’s next game offers a chance to build on this momentum and cement legitimacy as a postseason team; maintaining this drive will be critical.
- Louisville faces high expectations to bounce back—how they respond’ll determine whether this loss becomes a blip or a turning point.
- For both teams, the next two weeks will define not only this season’s outcome, but potentially the tone of program identity moving forward.
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t just an upset—it was a statement. For the Golden Bears, this win validates talent, courage and direction. For the Cardinals, it’s a reminder that reputation and ranking mean little without closing the deal. In the unpredictable theatre of college football, these 60–plus minutes carried weight far beyond the scoreboard.
— Reporting for SportBuzzHub.com, November 9, 2025
