Last year…

• Cal defense ranked 14th nationally against the run
• We had 3 Defensive Backs drafted to NFL

Sound like an elite defense?Nope. We were ranked just 36th.

Serious underperformance. I blame poor coaching.

In 2025 our front seven should be excellent, the big question is whether the secondary can hold their own or not.

Defensive Backs:

2024 Grade: Incredible

2025 Grade: HUGE QUESTION MARK

Hard to replace 3 NFL DBs.

BUT talking heads are saying the replacements look fast and athletic…

Defensive Line:

2024: Very good (14th ranked run defense)

2025: Even better

We lost just one key contributor and made some significant adds.

Even with a few injuries, DL looks deep and talented.

Look out for big boy #47 Aidan Keanaaina…

6’ 3” … 320 … explosive.

Inside Linebackers:

2024: Incredible

2025: The same

Our best player #0 Cade Uluave appears to be at the top of his game.

RS Freshman Luke Ferrelli will play across from him… Locker room thinks Luke is Cal’s next elite linebacker.

Outside Linebackers:

2024: Decent (disappointing)

2025: Good

Last year we had two pass rushers we thought would be ELITE. They weren’t.

This year we have two pass rushers we think will be ELITE.

Decent depth.

Summary

I am dangerously optimistic about this defense…

So long as our secondary isn’t trash.