The California Golden Bears are continuing to reshape their offensive line, and their latest addition is a big one-literally and figuratively. Ashton Rivera, a versatile and experienced lineman out of the MAC, is headed to Berkeley.
Rivera logged 600 snaps last season across left guard, center, and right guard, and brings two years of eligibility with him. That kind of flexibility and experience is gold for a Cal team looking to bolster its interior protection.
Rivera isn’t just a plug-and-play body, either. On tape, he flashes some serious athleticism for a 6-foot-2, 310-pound guard.
His first step off the snap is quick, and his footwork stands out-he moves with the kind of burst and agility that’s tough to find at that size. Originally from Cape Coral, Florida, Rivera also has a prior connection to one of Cal’s other recent additions: Mykeal Rabess, another offensive lineman who transferred in from Florida International.
While Rivera didn’t see significant action during his time at FIU, he’s clearly developed into a more complete player since, and he enters Cal’s offseason with a real shot at cracking the starting lineup.
This move also signals a broader trend: Cal is not just adding bodies-they’re adding competition. Rivera is the second interior offensive lineman to commit to the Bears in the last 24 hours, joining Kahli Tafai from Minnesota.
That duo will enter a battle royale in the trenches this spring, squaring off against returning players like Tyson Ruffins, Bastian Swinney, and Sioape Vatikani. With the influx of talent, the interior line is shaping up to be one of the most hotly contested position groups on the roster.
And that’s exactly what you want if you’re trying to raise the floor-and ceiling-of your offensive unit.
Here’s a full look at how Cal’s roster is evolving through the transfer portal as of mid-January:
Transfer Portal Arrivals
- Running Backs: Adam Mohammed (Washington), Carter Vargas (UC Davis), Ashten Emory (UTEP)
- Wide Receivers: Ian Strong (Rutgers), Chase Hendricks (Ohio), Cooper Perry (Oregon)
- Tight End: Dorian Thomas (New Mexico)
- Offensive Linemen: Jimothy Lewis (Mississippi State), Mykeal Rabess (Florida International), Kahli Tafai (Minnesota), Ashton Rivera (Kent State), Jacob Arop (South Dakota)
- Defensive Linemen: Justin Beadles (Louisville), Ashun Shepphard (Mississippi State)
- Edge Rushers: Solomon Williams (Texas A&M)
- Linebackers: Tristan Jernigan (Texas A&M)
- Safeties: Kingston Lopa (Oregon), Michael Hurst Jr.
(Northern Arizona)
Returning Bears
- Tight End: Mason Mini
- Wide Receiver: Mark Hamper
- Offensive Tackle: Frederick Williams III
- Center: Bastian Swinney
- Defensive Linemen: Derek Wilkins, Nate Burrell
- Edge: Jayden Wayne
- Defensive Backs: Isaiah Crosby, Cam Sidney
- Kicker: Chase Meyer (withdrew from portal)
Transfer Portal Departures
- Linebackers: Cade Uluave (BYU), Luke Ferrelli (Clemson), Harrison Taggart, Eze Osondu, Buom Jock, Curlee Thomas (North Texas)
- Defensive Linemen: TJ Bush (Minnesota), Ike Okafor
- Edge: Ryan McCulloch (UCLA)
- Running Back: Brandon High (UTSA)
- Offensive Linemen: Nick Morrow (Kansas), Leon Bell, Braden Miller (Duke), Jordan Spasojevic-Moko
- Tight End: Landon Morris (Wake Forest)
- Quarterbacks: Devin Brown, EJ Caminong, Belay Brummel
- Defensive Back: Kaden Cook
- Wide Receiver: Dazmin James
- Kicker: Abram Murray
It’s been a busy stretch for the Bears, and the roster churn is far from over. But one thing is clear: Cal is making a concerted push to upgrade its offensive line, and Ashton Rivera is a key piece in that puzzle.
His arrival not only adds depth-it raises the competitive bar. And with more talent fighting for starting spots, the Bears are setting themselves up for a stronger, more resilient offensive front in 2026.