The ACC’s coast-to-coast era is officially in motion, and the 2026 season is shaping up to be a big one for Cal football. The conference released its full slate of matchups for next year, and for the Golden Bears, that means a nine-game ACC schedule featuring a mix of traditional powers, rising programs, and a healthy dose of new rivalries.
Let’s break down what’s ahead for Cal as they prepare for their second season in the ACC - and their first under the new nine-game conference format. The Bears will host five games at California Memorial Stadium and hit the road for four. While dates and kickoff times are still to come, the opponents are locked in - and there’s plenty to talk about.
Cal’s 2026 ACC Opponents
Home Games:
- Clemson
- Pittsburgh
- Stanford
- Virginia Tech
- Wake Forest
Away Games:
- NC State
- SMU
- Syracuse
- Virginia
A Closer Look at the Home Slate
Clemson
Circle this one.
Dabo Swinney’s Tigers are making their first-ever trip to Berkeley, and it’s the first regular-season meeting between the two programs. The only previous matchup came in the 1992 Citrus Bowl - a game Cal fans remember fondly after a 37-13 win.
That was a different era, and Clemson has since become a national powerhouse. Hosting them in Strawberry Canyon is a statement opportunity for Cal, both on the field and in the eyes of ACC fans still adjusting to the league’s new geographic footprint.
Pittsburgh
It’s been nearly six decades since Pitt last played in Berkeley - 1966, to be exact - when the Bears walked away with a 30-15 win.
The Panthers are no strangers to cross-country travel in the ACC, and they’ve remained competitive, finishing the 2025 regular season with an 8-4 record. This will be the seventh all-time meeting between the programs, and the first on Cal’s home turf in the modern era of college football.
Stanford
The Big Game returns to Berkeley for its 129th edition.
Rivalry games don’t need much hype, but this one has some extra juice. Cal has won the last two Big Games at home, and with both schools now navigating life in the ACC, the matchup takes on even more meaning.
It’s not just about bragging rights anymore - it’s about positioning in a new-look conference.
Virginia Tech
The Hokies are heading west for the first time in program history, and they’ll do so with new head coach James Franklin at the helm.
This won’t be the first meeting between the two - they’ve faced off twice before, including a high-scoring 2003 Insight Bowl and a recent clash in Blacksburg. But this time, it’s Cal’s turn to host.
Virginia Tech has a passionate fanbase and a physical brand of football, and this one could be a tone-setter in the middle of the ACC schedule.
Wake Forest
Another first for Memorial Stadium.
The Demon Deacons will make their first trip to Berkeley in 2026, two years after the programs met for the first time in Winston-Salem - a game Cal won 46-36 in a shootout. Wake Forest finished 2025 at 8-4, and under Dave Clawson, they’ve become known for their creative offense and ability to punch above their weight.
Expect fireworks in this one.
The Road Ahead: Cal’s 2026 ACC Away Games
NC State
A trip to Raleigh awaits the Bears, and Carter-Finley Stadium is no easy place to play.
NC State has been a tough out in the ACC for years, and the Wolfpack always bring a physical edge, especially on defense. This will be a key test for Cal’s offensive line and quarterback play.
SMU
The Mustangs are another new face in the ACC, and this matchup pits two of the league’s newest members against each other.
SMU’s speed and tempo will challenge Cal’s defense, and playing in Dallas adds a unique wrinkle to the Bears’ travel schedule. This one could be sneaky important in the conference standings.
Syracuse
A cross-country trip to the Carrier Dome - one of the more unique venues in college football.
Playing indoors on turf against a team that thrives on tempo and space presents a different kind of challenge. Cal will need to adjust quickly to the environment and time zone.
Virginia
The Bears close out their road slate with a visit to Charlottesville.
Virginia has been rebuilding, but Scott Stadium can be a tough place to play when the Cavaliers get rolling. It’s also a rare East Coast trip for Cal, and managing that travel will be a storyline throughout the season.
What It All Means
The 2026 season is a defining moment for Cal in the ACC. With a nine-game conference schedule now in place, every matchup carries more weight. The Bears get marquee home games against Clemson and Stanford, a chance to make a statement in front of their fans, and a road schedule that will test their depth, resilience, and focus.
There’s no easing into this new era - Cal is diving in headfirst. And with a schedule like this, they’ll have every opportunity to prove they belong on this national stage.