Cal Football Reloads: 34 New Additions Highlight a Massive 2026 Roster Overhaul
Tosh Lupoi and the Cal football program didn’t just dip into the transfer portal this offseason - they dove in headfirst. On Wednesday, Lupoi announced the addition of 34 new players to the 2026 Golden Bears roster, with a staggering 32 coming via the transfer portal and two more arriving from the high school ranks. That brings Cal’s total number of newcomers this year to 50 - and 40 of them are already enrolled and on campus for the spring semester.
This kind of roster turnover is rare, even in today’s portal-driven era, and it signals a clear message: Cal is pushing for immediate results. The Bears’ transfer class is already turning heads, ranked No. 2 in the ACC and No. 14 nationally by 247Sports.
Breaking Down the New Faces
The 34 new additions are spread across the board - 15 on offense, 16 on defense, and three specialists. And while the numbers are impressive, the talent and experience in this group are what really stand out.
Offensive Firepower Incoming
Let’s start with the offensive side, where Cal brings in six offensive linemen, three running backs, three wide receivers, two tight ends, and one quarterback. It’s a balanced haul that reflects a clear goal: build depth and competition at every level of the offense.
Among the headliners is quarterback Jackson Brosseau (Colorado State), who joins a retooled offense looking to find its rhythm under Lupoi’s leadership. Protecting him will be a revamped offensive line, including transfers like Jacob Arop (South Dakota), Jimothy Lewis Jr. (Mississippi State), and Kahlee Tafai (Minnesota).
At the skill positions, Chase Hendricks (Ohio) and Ian Strong (Rutgers) bring proven production at wide receiver. Between them, they’ve tallied 333 catches, 3,284 yards, and 23 touchdowns over their careers - and they’ve done it across 75 games and 51 starts. That’s not just experience; that’s reliability.
Tight end Dorian Thomas (New Mexico) is coming off a breakout 2025 campaign with 56 catches for 560 yards - numbers that ranked him among the top FBS tight ends nationally. He’ll pair with Rico Walker (Purdue) to give Cal multiple threats at the position.
In the backfield, Cal adds a trio of productive runners: Ashten Emory (UTEP), Adam Mohammed (Washington), and Chris Vargas (UC Davis). Combined, they rushed for 1,540 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. Mohammed, in particular, comes in as the No. 6 running back in the 2026 transfer portal rankings.
Defensive Reinforcements with Playoff Pedigree
On defense, the Bears went big - and they went experienced. The 16-player group includes five defensive backs, five edge rushers, three inside linebackers, and three defensive linemen.
Names like Justin Beadles (Louisville), Jericho Johnson (Oregon), and Solomon Williams (Texas A&M) highlight a front seven that’s getting stronger and more athletic. Johnson, a top-20 defensive lineman in the portal, brings size and explosiveness that should make an immediate impact.
The secondary also gets a major boost with Daniel Harris (Georgia) and Kingston Lopa (Oregon) - both of whom spent 2025 on College Football Playoff teams. Harris, ranked as the No. 13 cornerback in the portal, and Lopa, the No. 8 safety, bring elite-level experience and coverage skills.
In fact, seven of Cal’s new defensive additions played on teams that reached the 2025 College Football Playoff - including Ricky Fletcher (Ole Miss), Tristan Jernigan (Texas A&M), and Kamar Mothudi (Oregon). That kind of postseason pedigree is hard to teach, and it speaks volumes about the level of player Cal is bringing in.
Special Teams Gets a Boost Too
Special teams weren’t left out of the equation, either. Long snapper David Bird returns to Berkeley after a one-year stop at Alabama, where he gained valuable SEC experience. He’s joined by punter Angus Davies (Tulsa) and kicker Towns McGough (Auburn), rounding out a specialist group that adds stability and depth.
Bird, ranked the No. 18 long snapper in the portal, is one of nine newcomers who played on a College Football Playoff team last year. That kind of experience - especially at a position where consistency is crucial - is a major plus.
Top Talent Across the Board
Eight of Cal’s newcomers are ranked in the top 25 nationally at their position in the 2026 transfer portal, according to 247Sports and On3. That list includes:
- Adam Mohammed - No. 6 RB
- Dorian Thomas - No. 6 TE
- Kingston Lopa - No. 8 S
- Daniel Harris - No. 13 CB
- Chase Hendricks - No. 16 WR
- David Bird - No. 18 LS
- Jericho Johnson - No. 18 DL
- Ian Strong - No. 22 WR
Hendricks and Strong also cracked the top 100 overall transfer rankings, checking in at No. 61 and No. 97, respectively.
What It All Means
This isn’t just a numbers game - it’s a calculated, aggressive push to reshape the Cal football roster with experienced, high-level talent. With 40 of the 50 newcomers already on campus for spring ball, Lupoi and his staff have wasted no time laying the foundation for a new era in Berkeley.
Whether it’s on the offensive line, in the secondary, or on special teams, Cal has added players who’ve been through the battles - some in the SEC, some in the College Football Playoff, and many with multiple years of starting experience.
The pieces are in place. Now it’s about putting them together. And if this transfer class lives up to its billing, Cal could be one of the most improved - and intriguing - teams in the ACC this fall.