The Bears just landed a big piece-literally and figuratively-for the heart of their defense. Oregon defensive tackle Jericho Johnson is heading to Berkeley, giving Cal a much-needed boost up front.
At 6-foot-4 and 340 pounds, Johnson brings serious size to the interior line. He’s not just a space-eater either-he’s a former high four-star recruit out of Armijo High School in Fairfield, California.
Back in his high school days, Johnson was heavily pursued by Cal before ultimately choosing Oregon over a loaded list of suitors that included Alabama, Georgia, USC, Michigan, and more. But after a redshirt year in 2024 and a rotational role this past season, he’s now circling back to the Bay Area, this time in blue and gold.
Johnson’s numbers at Oregon-five tackles and a pass breakup-might not jump off the page, but context matters. He was part of a deep, talented Ducks defensive line, which limited his snaps.
Still, he showed flashes of the disruptive potential that made him such a coveted prospect in the first place. For Cal, this is about projection and fit.
Johnson profiles as a plug-and-play run stuffer who can anchor the middle and free up linebackers to make plays.
He becomes the third defensive lineman Cal has brought in through the portal this cycle, joining Justin Beadles (Louisville) and Ashun Shepphard (Mississippi State). But the Bears didn’t stop there. They’ve been aggressive across the board, retooling a defense that needed help at every level.
Edge rusher Solomon Williams (Texas A&M) brings burst off the edge. Linebacker Tristan Jernigan adds depth and versatility in the middle. In the secondary, safeties Kingston Lopa (Oregon) and Michael Hurst Jr. join cornerbacks Marquis Groves-Killebrew (Mississippi State) and Daniel Harris (Georgia), giving the Bears a revamped back end with SEC experience.
Offensively, Cal’s been just as active. The backfield gets a trio of new faces in Adam Mohammed (Washington), Carter Vargas (UC Davis), and Ashton Emory.
At receiver, Cooper Perry (Oregon), Ian Strong (Rutgers), and Chase Hendricks (Ohio) add fresh options for whoever’s under center. Tight end Dorian Thomas is also in the mix, giving the Bears a potential red-zone weapon.
Up front, the offensive line sees a major overhaul with tackles Jimothy Lewis (Mississippi State), Jacob Arop (South Dakota), and Mykeal Rabess (FIU), along with guard Kahlee Tafai. It’s clear Cal is making a concerted effort to get bigger, deeper, and more experienced in the trenches.
But Johnson might be the crown jewel of this transfer haul-at least on defense. He’s the kind of interior presence that can change the tone of a game. If he lives up to his potential, Cal’s defense just got a whole lot tougher to run on.