- Head Coach: Justin Wilcox (ninth season)
- 2024 Record: 6-7 (lost LA Bowl)
- Strength of Schedule: 52nd
- PFF Projected Win Total: 6.3
- FanDuel Win Total: 5.5
2024 Recap
California’s first season as a member of the ACC mirrored its final year in the Pac-12: a 6-7 record with a bowl loss. The Golden Bears have now had five consecutive losing seasons under Justin Wilcox. His defense wasn’t to blame in 2024, finishing 35th in EPA allowed per play. The offense didn’t pull its weight, averaging just 25.1 points per game (90th).
There are even more concerns on that side of the ball after the program lost so much talent to the transfer portal, but the defense again looks strong up front. California’s chances of making a third straight bowl game likely hinge on whether true freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele can live up to the hype.
Biggest Strength: Front-seven
California’s defense was a top-50 unit in the FBS in both PFF run-defense and pass-rush grades last year and should be similarly strong in 2025. Defensive tackle Aidan Keanaaina is back after posting a 79.0 PFF overall grade in 2024, and the Golden Bears picked up a couple of very good transfers in linebacker Harrison Taggart and edge defender TJ Bush Jr.
Biggest Weakness: Where will the offense come from?
Cal’s offense ranked 95th in both PFF overall grade and EPA per play last season, and that was with a few stars — quarterback Fernando Mendoza, running back Jaydn Ott and tight end Jack Endries. With all three transferring, the Golden Bears have even more concerns on that side of the ball.
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