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Initial injury report doesn't answer a burning question for Virginia Tech before Cal game

Questions still remain as to who will be available for the Hokies and Golden Bears on Saturday.
ByScott Roche
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Sep 26, 2026; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin in the first half against the Boston College Eagles at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Edward Finan-Imagn Images
Sep 26, 2026; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin in the first half against the Boston College Eagles at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Edward Finan-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Virginia Tech football team will head out to Northern California this weekend for their first ACC clash at Cal against the Golden Bears. Last season, Cal visited Blacksburg in October, and the Hokies pulled out a 42-34 double-overtime win for what ended up being their third and final win of the season under interim coach Philip Montgomery.

Now under James Franklin, Virginia Tech will be looking to rebound from their first loss of the season last Friday night at home against Pittsburgh to fall to 4-1 in Franklin's first season in charge. However, the long flight will be filled with many questions, as the Hokies won't likely know until kickoff who they'll be facing at quarterback for the Golden Bears. Wednesday night's initial report didn't offer too many answers.

Cal injury report from the ACC doesn't offer any answers for Virginia Tech

This shouldn't come as a surprise that the California injury report left more answers than questions. The biggest name who is questionable is quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who left last week's loss to UNLV with an injury that was revealed to be a concussion. There are also some other big names for the Golden Bears as to who might or might not be available, including safety Kingston Lopa, running back Adam Mohammed, and wide receiver Chase Hendricks.

All eyes will be on Sagapolutele and his availability. Cal coach Tosh Lupoi said that he was cleared to return to the game, but he held him out in favor of Jackson Brousseau, who nearly led the Golden Bears to a come-from-behind victory after throwing for 200 yards and a pair of touchdowns. On Wednesday night, Franklin said that he and defensive coordinator Brent Pry are preparing for Sagapolutele based on the fact that he was cleared to return to the game against UNLV.

"They could have played him again and chose not to, so we're just preparing as if he is playing," said Franklin. "I've also heard he's been practicing, so we're preparing like he's the starter. I don't think the offense changes a whole lot."

Virginia Tech returning defensive players and fans got an up-close view of how good Sagapolutele was last year as a true freshman. At 2-3, the Golden Bears, facing a tough remaining schedule and a loss to the Hokies, could be crushed in a potential bowl game later this season. It would be surprising if he didn't play, and Franklin and Pry preparing for him is the right move to make.

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