Jaydn Ott at the Helm: A Preview of the Cal Football Team
Berkeley - The Cal Golden Bears are one of three teams joining the ACC this year. As they look to build upon their steady improvements in recent years, the Golden Bears aim to be formidable contenders in the ACC. With a robust roster featuring a blend of seasoned upperclassmen and talented newcomers, Cal's offense and defense are poised for an exciting campaign. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Cal will rise to the occasion and pursue a successful run in the highly competitive conference.
Offensive Preview:
The wide receiving core is not one to be desired, only two receivers return who caught a ball last season. The battle between Fernando Mendoza and Rogers will be something to keep your eyes on. Regardless of who wins the starting job, Jaydn Ott will be the key to a successful offense. Coming off as the leading rusher in the Pac-12, Ott will need to keep up the productivity to carry this struggling pass offense. They do have some transfers coming in that could boost the passing game but that remains to be seen.
Defensive Preview:
Last season, they shared the FBS lead with 28 takeaways but allowed 32.8 points per game. Cade Uluave will be given a more important role for this defense as he won the Pac-12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year. There is a veteran presence in the linebacker room, which will be the anchor of the defense. A more consistent pass rush and stronger secondary play will be the key for Cal to keep it close this season.
Top Returning Players:
Jaydn Ott (RB) - As a sophomore, Ott rushed for 1,315 yards and 12 touchdowns. He is one of the highest-rated returning players in the country. With seven offensive starters returning, Ott will be tasked to carry the rock just as much as last season.
Fernando Mendoza (QB) - Cal struggled to find consistency for their quarterbacks last season. Mendoza won the starting job in the middle of the season and played well enough to keep it. In nine games played, he threw for 1,708 yards and 14 touchdowns. With some confidence, Mendoza should improve those numbers this season.
Cade Uluave (LB) - He will be given more of an important role in his sophomore season after winning the PAC-12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year. He was tied for the team lead in INT and finished fourth in total tackles.
Top Incoming Transfers:
Ryan Coe (K) - He had a huge year at Cincinnati but then transferred to North Carolina. He didn’t get the playing time he wanted so he found his new home at Cal. In 2022, with Cincinnati, he was 44/44 on XPs and 19/23 on field goal attempts.
Chandler Rogers (QB) - Rogers transfers in from North Texas where he passed for 3,382 yards and 29 touchdowns last fall. It will be an interesting battle to see if he takes the starting job or if Mendoza keeps it.
Top Incoming Freshman:
BJ Canady (DL) - According to Rivals, he was the nation’s #47 strong-side defensive end. On3 and 247sports have him rated as the number five player overall in the state of Kansas. He’s listed as 6’5 270 pounds so he has the physical traits to compete for early playing time.
Top Departures:
Jeremiah Hunter (WR) - Hunter has transferred to Washington after being a star player for Cal. He was the leading receiver last season with 731 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
Kaleb Elarms-Orr (LB) - Cal loses Elarms-Orr to TCU. He was the leading tackler a season ago with 92 total tackles. He was all over the field and Cal needs someone to replace his production.
Under-the-Radar Players (Sleepers):
Tobias Merriweather (WR) - The 6’5 195 pound junior receiver transfers into Cal from Notre Dame. He only caught 14 passes for 284 yards and two touchdowns last season. He should provide a deep-threat ability with that frame.
Win Total Prediction:
The Golden Bears’ win total is listed as 6.5. My prediction will be under 6.5 wins. I am confident in saying that their certain wins will be UC Davis, Oregon State, Syracuse, and Stanford. They have the potential to win at Wake Forest and San Diego St. According to ESPN analytics, they only have a 2.6% chance to win the ACC.
