"Those Nike CEO checks hit different": Fans react to five-Star QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele's flip from Cal to Oregon

Five-star quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele flipped his commitment from California to Oregon's 2025 class on National Signing Day, Wednesday morning. He announced his decision from the gymnasium at James Campbell High School in Ewa Beach, Hawaii.

Sagapolutele had been committed to Cal since July, but his decision to switch allegiances was kept under wraps, and even Oregon's coaching staff didn't know about the move.

“I never told Oregon,” Sagapolute said (via The Daily Californian). “They just ended up finding out when I announced. (Ducks coach Dan Lanning) called me. They’re excited.”

Oregon’s late push secured Sagapolutele, but the Georgia Bulldogs also attempted to sway him. Ultimately, the Ducks sealed the deal, and many speculate that the program’s strong NIL backing played a crucial role.

Oregon's partnership with Nike has often given it an edge in high-profile recruitment. Fans took to X to highlight the influence of Nike’s deep pockets.

"Those Nike CEO checks hit different," a fan wrote.

"Money talks 💸💸," one wrote.

"Oregon money is different. Jesus," one wrote.

"Oregon is becoming the Yankees of college football. All because the CEO of Nike wants to see his favorite team win ONE championship before he dies of old age 😂," one wrote.

However, Oregon fans couldn't praise Dan Lanning enough for success in late recruiting. Over the past two years, Lanning has consistently landed elite prospects during or after signing day, including Gatlin Bair, Daylen Austin and Jericho Johnson, among others.

"Dan Lanning is stuffing this entire sport into a locker oh my god," one wrote.

"DAN YOU SAVAGE 😭🔥🔥🔥🔥," one wrote.

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele is a game-changing addition to Oregon’s 2025 class. He is ranked as the No. 19 player in the 2025 class, the No. 4 quarterback and No. 1 in Hawaii.

Dan Lanning opens up about Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele's commitment to Oregon

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele will join four-star prospect Akili Smith Jr. in the quarterback room. He enjoyed a top 11 finish at the prestigious Elite 11 Finals, where Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel first took notice of him. The Hawaii native capped off his high school career as the state's all-time leading passer with 10,653 yards, surpassing Gabriel's previous record.

Oregon coach Dan Lanning praised Sagapolutele on Wednesday.

“[Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele] broke high school records there with Dillon in Hawaii, has done an unbelievable job, and came down to the wire,” Lanning told the media. “Even for Jaron to win the Marcus Mariota Award there in Hawaii, most recently, there's just a lot of history that makes this make a lot of sense for him being able to join our program.”

Oregon has six top-100 players in the 2025 class. The program also flipped five-star cornerback Na'eem Offord on Wednesday and has 21 committed players in the cycle.