Cal Football’s Post-Portal WR & TE Room: Size, Upside, and a Much-Needed Reset
After a 2025 season where Cal’s passing game struggled to find consistency outside of Jacob DeJesus, the Golden Bears hit the transfer portal hard-and came out with a retooled receiver and tight end room that looks a whole lot more dangerous heading into 2026.
Let’s break down the additions, departures, and what fans can expect from each position group as spring ball approaches.
X Receiver: Ian Strong Headlines a Rebuilt Outside Threat
Key Addition: Ian Strong (Senior, Rutgers Transfer)
At 6’3”, 220 pounds, Ian Strong brings exactly what Cal needed on the outside-size, physicality, and a knack for making tough catches in traffic.
He was a go-to weapon at Rutgers, where he racked up 48 receptions for 900 yards and five touchdowns in just ten games. Strong doesn’t burn past defenders with elite speed, but his long stride and frame make him a problem on deep routes and back-shoulder throws.
He’s the kind of wideout who wins at the catch point and creates space with his body, making him a likely favorite for JKS on comebacks, crossers, and red zone fades.
Strong’s also a willing blocker, which adds value in Cal’s run game. He was one of the most sought-after wide receivers in the portal-and for good reason.
Departures:
- Jaiven Plummer (Georgia Tech)
- Dazmin James (Appalachian State)
Projected Depth Chart:
- Ian Strong, Senior
- Jordan King, RS Senior
- Cole Boscia, RS Senior
- Trevor Rogers, RS Sophomore
- Meyer Swinney, RS Freshman
This group suddenly has some real depth. King and Boscia are reliable veterans who can rotate in, while Rogers and Swinney offer developmental upside.
Y Receiver: Cooper Perry Adds Burst and Versatility to the Slot
Key Addition: Cooper Perry (Sophomore Transfer)
Perry didn’t see a ton of action as a freshman-just 10 catches for 25 yards-but don’t let that stat line fool you.
The former four-star recruit has the tools to make a leap. At 6’1”, 194 pounds, Perry brings solid size for a slot receiver and has the quickness to win in tight spaces.
He’s not a burner, but he can stretch the field when needed and has the lateral agility to create separation underneath.
He’s also versatile enough to line up at Z, giving the Bears some flexibility in how they deploy him.
Departures:
- None
Projected Depth Chart:
- Jacob DeJesus, RS Senior*
- Cooper Perry, Sophomore
- Quaron Adams, RS Senior
- Tyree Sams, Freshman
- EJ Morgan, Freshman
*Awaiting eligibility appeal
DeJesus’ status looms large. If he returns, Cal has a proven playmaker who can take pressure off the younger guys.
If not, Perry and Adams will need to step up quickly. Adams brings elite speed, while the two freshmen-Sams and Morgan-are intriguing long-term prospects.
Z Receiver: Chase Hendricks Brings Reliability and Production
Key Addition: Chase Hendricks (RS Junior, Ohio Transfer)
Hendricks is the kind of receiver who just gets open.
He’s not flashy, but he’s productive and dependable-111 catches, 1,500 yards, and eight touchdowns over the past two seasons at Ohio. He’s got strong hands, rarely drops passes, and knows how to use his body to create space.
He’s a technician on third downs and in the red zone.
Hendricks may not be the fastest guy on the field, but he plays like a veteran who understands how to win matchups. That’s the kind of presence Cal sorely lacked last year.
Departures:
- Jayden Dixon-Veal
Projected Depth Chart:
- Chase Hendricks, Senior
- Mark Hamper, Junior
- Kyion Grayes, RS Junior
- Kai Meza, Freshman
Hamper is a bounce-back candidate after a quiet 2025, and Grayes has shown flashes. Meza, a promising freshman, may need time but has the tools to contribute down the line.
Position Group Outlook: A Room with New Life
Let’s be honest-outside of DeJesus’ heroics, Cal’s receiver room struggled last season. Drops, lack of separation, and a shortage of explosive plays made life tough for the offense. That’s why this offseason overhaul feels so significant.
Ian Strong gives the Bears a legit outside threat. Hendricks is the steady chain-mover every offense needs.
And Perry? He’s the wild card with big upside.
If DeJesus returns, this group suddenly has the kind of depth and versatility that can challenge ACC defenses.
Even beyond the top names, there’s intrigue. Adams can fly.
Boscia and King are steady vets. And Hamper could still be a factor with a fresh start.
Biggest Concerns:
- DeJesus’ eligibility appeal is critical.
Without him, the room loses its most proven playmaker.
- Health is another key.
Strong and Hendricks need to stay on the field.
- Youth depth is promising, but outside of Perry, the younger guys might be a year away from real impact.
Ceiling: Nationally Elite
Floor: Upper Third of the ACC
Tight End: An Athletic, High-Upside Group with New Faces
Key Additions:
- Dorian Thomas (RS Sophomore, New Mexico Transfer): One of the top tight ends in the portal, Thomas brings real juice to the passing game.
At 6’4”, 240 pounds, he’s a big target with a wide catch radius and solid body control. He’s more quick than fast, but he knows how to get open and posted 56 catches and four touchdowns last year.
Blocking is still a work in progress, but as a receiver, he’s ready to contribute.
- Rico Walker (RS Junior): Walker’s path has been anything but linear-Cal will be his fourth stop in four years-but the talent is undeniable.
A former two-sport star in high school, Walker has the athleticism and frame (6’3”, 250) to become a strong blocker and matchup problem. He’s more potential than production right now, but he’s a name to watch.
Departures:
- Landon Morris (Wake Forest)
- Ben Marshall (Austin Peay)
- Jacob Houseworth (UC Davis)
Projected Depth Chart:
- Mason Mini, Junior
- Dorian Thomas, RS Sophomore
- Rico Walker, RS Junior
- Taimane Purcell, Freshman
- John Tofi Jr, RS Freshman
Mini was a breakout player in 2025 when healthy-he’s a dynamic receiver and improving blocker. Thomas adds another weapon to stretch the middle of the field, and Walker could carve out a role as a physical presence in both the run and pass game.
Purcell is the most highly touted TE recruit Cal has landed in over a decade. He’s raw, but don’t be surprised if he sees the field early. Tofi is transitioning to tight end and showed some promise as a blocker late last season.
Biggest Concerns:
- Blocking remains a question mark.
None of the current tight ends are proven in that department.
- Tofi’s development could be key to stabilizing that part of the room.
- Adding a walk-on with blocking chops wouldn’t hurt.
Floor: Middle of the ACC
Final Takeaway
Cal’s receiving corps and tight ends are no longer a liability-they’re a potential strength. The additions of Strong, Hendricks, and Thomas inject talent, experience, and production into two position groups that badly needed a facelift. If DeJesus is cleared to return and the new faces stay healthy, this offense could look very different in 2026-and in a good way.
Spring ball can’t come soon enough.