Cal’s secondary is getting a major boost - and it’s coming straight from SEC country. Former Georgia cornerback Daniel Harris is headed to Berkeley, giving the Golden Bears a high-upside addition at a position of need.
With the departures of Hezekiah Masses and Brett ‘Paco’ Austin, Cal had to hit the portal hard to reload at corner. And they landed a big one. Harris was a top-15 transfer cornerback according to both On3 and 247Sports, and he brings the kind of pedigree and experience that doesn’t come around often.
Harris made his mark during Georgia’s 2024 playoff run, tallying 22 tackles and three pass breakups. He didn’t see as much action in 2025, logging 138 snaps across five games - a stretch reportedly impacted by injury - but the talent is still very much there. At 6-foot-2 with long arms and SEC speed, Harris has the physical tools to be a difference-maker in the Pac-12.
There is one off-field issue on his record - a reckless driving arrest during his time at Georgia - but he remained part of the Bulldogs’ rotation afterward. Now, with a fresh start at Cal and a new position coach in Da’Von Brown, Harris will look to put that chapter behind him and focus on maximizing his one year in Berkeley. If he can stay healthy and locked in, he has the potential to be one of the most impactful defensive transfers in the conference.
Transfer Portal Movement: Who’s In, Who’s Out
Harris headlines a transfer class that’s been busy for Cal, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Here’s a look at the key additions and departures as the Bears retool their roster.
Incoming Transfers:
- Mason Mini, TE - A pass-catching option who adds depth to the tight end room.
- Mark Hamper, WR - Brings versatility and speed to the receiver corps.
- Frederick Williams III, OT - A physical presence on the edge of the offensive line.
- Bastian Swinney, C - Solidifies the interior with experience and toughness.
- Derek Wilkins, DL - Adds size and strength up front.
- Jayden Wayne, EDGE - A high-motor edge rusher with upside.
- Nate Burrell, DL - Another piece to bolster the defensive trenches.
- Isaiah Crosby, DB - Joins Harris in reinforcing the secondary.
- Cam Sidney, DB - A returning contributor who adds continuity in the defensive backfield.
- Chase Meyer, K - Withdrew from the portal, staying put to handle kicking duties.
Departures:
The Bears saw a significant number of players head out, particularly at linebacker and along the offensive line.
- Linebackers: Cade Uluave (BYU), Luke Ferrelli (Clemson), Harrison Taggart, Eze Osondu, Buom Jock, and Curlee Thomas (North Texas) all moved on.
- Defensive Line/EDGE: TJ Bush (Minnesota), Ike Okafor, and Ryan McCulloch (UCLA) are gone, leaving gaps to fill up front.
- Running Back: Brandon High (UTSA) departs the backfield.
- Offensive Line: A wave of exits here - Lajuan Owens, Nick Morrow (Kansas), Leon Bell, Braden Miller (Duke), Daveion Harley, and Jordan Spasojevic-Moko.
- Tight End: Landon Morris (Wake Forest) moves on.
- Quarterbacks: Devin Brown, EJ Caminong, and Belay Brummel all left the QB room, signaling a fresh start under center.
- Defensive Back: Kaden Cook joins the list of DBs departing.
- Wide Receiver: Dazmin James exits the receiver group.
- Special Teams: Kicker Abram Murray and punter Michael Kern are also on their way out.
What It Means for Cal
This is clearly a team in transition. The Bears are reloading across the board, and while the volume of departures is significant, the incoming talent - especially on defense - gives reason for optimism.
Harris, in particular, has the potential to be a tone-setter in the secondary. If he can stay healthy and tap into the form he showed at Georgia, Cal may have landed one of the more under-the-radar impact players in the portal this offseason.
With new faces arriving and key positions up for grabs, spring ball in Berkeley is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.