Famika Anae is officially back in Berkeley, and while it wasn’t exactly a well-guarded secret, it’s now confirmed: he’ll return for the 2026 season as Cal’s offensive line coach under new head coach Tosh Lupoi. Anae is one of eight assistants confirmed to be staying on as Lupoi assembles his inaugural staff - and that continuity could be a big deal for a Cal program in transition.
Anae’s first year at Cal was marked by a no-nonsense approach to rebuilding the trenches, and he wasted no time diving into the transfer portal. The results were immediate.
He brought in key contributors like interior linemen Tyson Ruffins and Jordan Spasojevic-Moko, both of whom stepped into starting roles. Leon Bell, another portal addition, held down a tackle spot for most of the season.
That kind of instant impact from transfer linemen is no small feat - it speaks to Anae’s eye for talent and his ability to get guys up to speed quickly.
Looking ahead to 2026, Anae won’t be starting from scratch. He’s got some important returners in the fold, including tackle Frederick Williams and versatile center/guard Bastian Swinney. Both were steady presences last season and should provide a strong foundation for the line moving forward.
Recruiting-wise, Anae has been aggressive and effective. His 2026 class features some promising names, headlined by offensive tackle Daniel McMorris, a high-upside prospect with the tools to be a future anchor on the edge. The class also includes intriguing talents like Esaiah Wong, Kamo’i Huihui-White, and Elisha Faamatuainu - players who may not be plug-and-play starters from day one, but who bring size, athleticism, and long-term potential to the room.
And Anae isn’t done working the portal, either. Cal has already added five offensive line transfers this cycle, continuing the trend of blending experienced newcomers with homegrown talent. In today’s college football landscape, where roster turnover is constant and depth is everything, that kind of roster management is essential.
One notable change for 2026: Anae will have some help. Cal has expanded its coaching staff, and Viane Talamaivao - who previously coached at Stanford - is joining the Bears to assist with offensive tackles and coordinate the run game. Talamaivao brings Pac-12 familiarity and a strong track record of developing linemen, which should complement Anae’s approach well.
All told, the offensive line room at Cal is starting to look like a real strength - not just in terms of bodies, but in terms of coaching firepower. With Anae steering the ship and Talamaivao coming aboard, the Bears are doubling down on the importance of trench play. And in a conference that features some serious front-seven talent, that’s not just smart - it’s necessary.
Cal’s coaching staff is still taking shape, but with Anae locked in and the line in good hands, there’s a clear signal being sent: this team is going to be built from the inside out.