What could have been in 2024. Coaching improvements in 2025.

Our team was gutted by the transfer portal this spring. For that reason, Vegas thinks we suck (3.5 point dogs to Oregon State).

Per usual, there are reasons to be optimistic. 

First, a reminder that 2024 was almost a breakthrough season for Cal.

• We won in SEC TERRITORY against a talented Auburn team and derailed their entire season.

• Outplayed Florida State on the road (lost, but that would have made us 4-0 going into Miami)

• We had a 20 POINT LEAD over 8th ranked Miami in the 4th quarter after hosting College Gameday. 

• Lost at least TWO GAMES due to missed field goals.

We were a few bounces away from a 9-win season.

Unfortunately, we got six wins and heartbreak. Textbook.

Read on if you are ready to be hurt again.

Reason to be Optimistic:

Much better coaching.

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR:

Last year our Offensive Coordinator left a lot on the table.

He was the offensive line coach who was promoted when our previous OC was asked to leave due to personal misconduct, rumor has it.

Terrible scheme. Terrible play calling. Even the offensive line was bad.

We had success only because QB Mendoza was elite. Our failure to get any offensive production when Mendoza was not playing (SMU & UNLV) is proof of that.

Now, we have a very seasoned, smart and motivated OC In Bryan Harsin (denies accusations of personal misconduct).

OFFENSIVE LINE COACH:

Last year, the Offensive Line was by far our worst unit.

OL coach was effectively absent – as he was acting as OC & OL Coach. In over his head.

Up-and-coming superstar OL coach Famika Anea should change that. We have sold returning starters and solid transfers. I expect a big step forward.

So much of our hope for this season rests on his shoulders.

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR:

2024 Defensive Coordinator also under-delivered.

He was low-energy and appeared shell shocked in interviews even before the season started. Burn out I think.

Thankfully, he has moved on as well.

It appears to me Wilcox will be taking on most of the DC responsibilities himself.

With an offensive coordinator he can trust and Rivera acting as GM, Wilcox should be able to give the defense plenty of attention.

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACH:

Apparently our team is bigger and stronger than ever before.

I have never heard a RB talk about our offensive line this way:

Check out the physical transformation from speedster WR Dazmin James.

Someone said this about #0 Inside Linebacker Cade Uluave: (our best player)

TLDR:

Last year we did well despite having SUBPAR coordinators.

Even though we lost super-stars, the 2025 Golden Bears will be…

BETTER COACHED

BIGGER & STRONGER

DEEPER and

OUR SCHEDULE IS EASY.

Keys to the season? 

1. Decent quarterback play from Freshman JKS
2. Decent cornerbacks and safeties

If that happens, there is hope for a breakout season.