The transfer portal has been buzzing, and over in Berkeley, Cal football is making some serious moves as they reshape their roster heading into the next chapter. With a flurry of new arrivals and a notable list of departures, the Golden Bears are clearly in transition - but there’s a method to the madness. Let’s break down what’s happening on both sides of the portal and what it could mean for the program.
New Faces in Berkeley: Cal’s Incoming Transfers
Cal's coaching staff has been aggressive in the portal, reloading at nearly every position group. And if there’s one thing that jumps off the page, it's the emphasis on offensive reinforcements - particularly in the backfield and along the line.
Running Backs Galore
Three new backs are coming to town: Adam Mohammed (Washington), Carter Vargas (UC Davis), and Ashten Emory (UTEP). That’s a mix of Pac-12 experience, FCS production, and Group of Five grit.
Mohammed brings the pedigree, Vargas has been a workhorse, and Emory adds depth and versatility. It’s clear Cal is looking to build a rotation that can carry the load and complement their offensive identity.
Wide Receiver Room Reloaded
The Bears didn’t stop there. They’ve added three wideouts - Ian Strong (Rutgers), Chase Hendricks (Ohio), and Cooper Perry (Oregon).
Strong brings Big Ten toughness, Hendricks has shown flashes in the MAC, and Perry is a high-upside piece who didn’t get much burn at Oregon but brings speed and potential. This group is young, hungry, and gives Cal more vertical options.
Tight End and O-Line Help
Dorian Thomas (New Mexico) joins the tight end room, and while he may not be a household name, he’s a physical presence who can contribute as a blocker and short-yardage target.
Up front, the Bears went big - literally and figuratively. They’ve added five offensive linemen:
- Jimothy Lewis (Mississippi State) - SEC-tested and likely a candidate to start immediately.
- Mykeal Rabess (FIU) - Brings experience and flexibility inside.
- Kahli Tafai (Minnesota), Ashton Rivera (Kent State), and Jacob Arop (South Dakota) - Depth pieces with starting upside.
This influx of linemen tells us Cal is serious about fixing its trenches - a necessary move if they want to compete in the line-heavy Big Ten.
Defensive Additions
On defense, Cal added some intriguing pieces:
- Justin Beadles (Louisville) and Ashun Shepphard (Mississippi State) bolster the defensive line.
- Solomon Williams and Tristan Jernigan, both from Texas A&M, add SEC-caliber athleticism at edge and linebacker.
- Kingston Lopa (Oregon) and **Michael Hurst Jr. ** (Northern Arizona) bring depth and versatility to the safety room.
This group isn’t just about plugging holes - it’s about raising the ceiling of the defense with speed, length, and experience.
Staying Put: Key Returnees for the Bears
While the portal giveth and taketh away, Cal did manage to retain some key pieces. These returning players form the backbone of the 2026 roster.
- Tight end Mason Mini and wide receiver Mark Hamper provide continuity in the passing game.
- Frederick Williams III and Bastian Swinney are back to anchor the offensive line.
- Derek Wilkins, Jayden Wayne, and Nate Burrell return to the defensive front - a huge boost for a unit that’s seen turnover.
- Isaiah Crosby and Cam Sidney hold down the secondary.
- Kicker Chase Meyer withdrew from the portal, which is no small thing - special teams consistency can be a game-changer.
These returnees offer leadership and familiarity, which will be crucial as the team integrates so many new faces.
Heading Out: Notable Departures
Of course, all this movement comes with its share of losses. Cal saw a wave of exits, especially at linebacker and along the offensive line.
Linebacker Exodus
Six linebackers are gone, including Cade Uluave (BYU), Luke Ferrelli (Clemson), and Curlee Thomas (North Texas). That’s a significant chunk of the defensive core, and it explains the aggressive portal strategy to restock at that position.
O-Line Turnover
Seven offensive linemen have departed, including Nick Morrow (Kansas), Braden Miller (Duke), and Lajuan Owens. That’s a lot of snaps and experience walking out the door - again, reinforcing why Cal made the line a priority in the portal.
Quarterback Room Clears Out
The quarterback room got hit hard, with Devin Brown, EJ Caminong, and Belay Brummel all moving on. That leaves Cal with some work to do in terms of QB depth and competition - expect more movement or a potential late addition here.
Other Key Departures
- TJ Bush (Minnesota) and Ryan McCulloch (UCLA) leave holes on the defensive front.
- Wide receivers Dazmin James and Jaiven Plummer are gone, though the incoming trio helps soften that blow.
- Specialists Abram Murray (kicker), Michael Kern (punter), and Rino Monteforte (long snapper, to Kansas) also exited, which could impact the third phase of the game.
Final Thoughts: A New-Look Golden Bears Squad
This is a program in transition, no doubt about it. The sheer volume of movement - both in and out - signals a reset.
But it’s not a teardown. It’s a calculated retooling.
The incoming class brings size, speed, and experience from all levels of college football. The returning players provide a foundation. And while there are still questions - particularly at quarterback and linebacker - the Bears are clearly positioning themselves to be more competitive in a new-look Big Ten landscape.
Cal fans, buckle up. This roster is going to look - and play - a lot different next fall.