The faces of Cal’s football program promoted internal optimism and stability during Tuesday’s 2025 ACC Kickoff media day in Charlotte as yet another do-or-die season looms.
Led by coach Justin Wilcox, the sleuth of Bears — which also included general manager Ron Rivera, quarterbacks Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele and Devin Brown, linebacker Cade Uluave and defensive lineman Aidan Keanaaina — was comfortable discussing the new-look roster, open quarterback competition, and long-term future of Cal football.
Cal, which finished 6-7 in 2024, endured a brutal stretch of four consecutive losses by a total of nine points following a 3-1 start.
“We’ve been really close, which is frustrating, but certainly not hopeless,” Wilcox told SiriusXM. “And now it’s about finding that extra play on defense, offense or special teams that makes a difference in the games, so you go from winning six to 10 or 11 or 12.”
Time will tell if the 2025 Bears will finish games or be just one of Berkeley’s many almost-great teams.
The majority of Cal’s current roster is composed of underclassmen and transfers. Its coaching staff is completely revamped, too, notably with Brian Harsin succeeding offensive coordinator Mike Bloesch, and coaches Terrence Brown (secondary) and Vic So’oto (front seven) succeeding now-New Orleans Saints assistant Peter Sirmon as co-defensive coordinators.
Uluave and Keanaaina, at least, aren’t worried about the loss of Sirmon or seniors who graduated, including four NFL draftees. They’re just focused on keeping business as usual after Cal’s defense held opponents under 25 points in nine of 13 games a season ago.
“We had a great year,” Uluave told the ACC Network. “Obviously, there are things we can get better on, but with Coach TB and Coach So’oto, both those guys have been in the program. So defensively, we’re still going to do our stuff. … We’re still going to hold the standard.”
“I’m very grateful for Coach Wilcox hiring within house,” Keanaaina said about Brown and So’oto. “I think both of them bring amazing aspects to what our defense is going to be in this upcoming year.”
The Bears’ offense is more of an open question entering training camp.
The Bears stunningly lost several key players to other schools this offseason: quarterback Fernando Mendoza (Indiana), running backs Jaydn Ott (Oklahoma) and Jaivian Thomas (UCLA), wideout Nyziah Hunter (Nebraska) and tight end Jack Endries (Texas).
Wilcox brushed off the transfer exodus, saying: “You don’t give mental energy to uncontrollables.”
Now, Cal has found players to replace the gaping holes on paper, specifically with an influx of skill players such as running backs Brandon High Jr. and Kendrick Raphael. But it’s unknown how the newcomers will fare — especially under center, where it’s open season between freshman and Oregon transfer Sagapolutele and redshirt junior Brown from Ohio State.
“It’s nothing but respect for this guy,” Sagapolutele told SiriusXM about Brown, as they sat next to each other. “We’re great friends on and off the field. We continue to better each other every single day, and we’re able to have a good laugh at the same time.”
“Yeah, that’s the name of college football, right?” added Brown, who has backed up three current NFL quarterbacks, including C. J. Stroud, with the Buckeyes.
Cal has until Aug. 30, when it opens the season at Oregon State, to name a starting quarterback.
In the grand scheme of things, the Bears are confident. Wilcox was noticeably enthusiastic about his dynamic with Rivera and chancellor Rich Lyons, and UC Berkeley’s collective, reborn dedication to football.
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“I think that’s fair. Cal is a big place,” Wilcox said when asked if he finally felt supported on campus. “The chancellor has a big job. … For him to hire Coach Rivera just shows you how important that is to him.”
The current Cal administration, sporting alums and football lovers at the top, seems to be giving Wilcox the most support he’s had since he became head coach in 2017. And that’s precisely what Rivera and Lyons sought to do when striking a partnership in March after an interview brokered by Rivera’s wife, Stephanie, a Cal trustee.
Rivera said the chat started over the topic of hiring a general manager.
“I said, ‘Well, let me write you a job description. … (And) how can I help?’” Rivera recalled.
“He goes, ‘You’re the guy.’ ”
Rivera’s administration is about to start its first season, and the Bears expect wins to follow.