California Golden Bears

General Outlook

This probably isn’t Cal’s best team, but a relatively easy schedule should help compensate for its shortcomings.

Entering his 10th year, head coach Justin Wilcox has yet to find his groove with the Golden Bears, having posted an overall record of 42-50, with just two winning seasons.

He likely needs to do more this year than in previous seasons to keep fans in Berkeley happy and engaged. While a bowl game would mark his third-straight postseason appearance, that may not be enough.

The Bears haven’t had a winning campaign since 2019.

Offense

California’s offense will look substantially different this season, after losing several notable playmakers in the transfer portal.

The departure of Fernando Mendoza and Jaydn Ott probably hurt the most, but several other top guys left gaping holes, including tight end Jack Endries.

A complete offensive remake will be required to move forward this year under new coordinator Bryan Harsin.

Then again, a remake may not be the worst thing, considering the Bears had the 90th-ranked scoring offense nationally in 2024.

And after finishing tied with Oklahoma for the most sacks allowed in the FBS last season, Cal will be breaking in a new offensive line this year, with several transfers contributing.

The biggest storyline on this side of the ball is at quarterback. The Bears brought in former Ohio State prospect Devin Brown to compete with Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele for the starting spot.

Whoever wins the job will have skinny fingers at the receiver position.

Cal lost all of its main wideouts except for Trond Grizzell. However, the Bears also added UNLV transfer Jacob De Jesus, who has proven shifty in the slot and the return game.

Defense

Wilcox’s offenses have been inconsistent over the years, but his defenses have been reliably solid.

This year could prove to be an exception, though, as the Bears have had to replace their entire secondary. Most notably, Nohl Williams and Craig Woodson have taken their talents to the NFL.

Defensive backs coach Keith Heyward will need to figure out the pass coverage before conference play starts, or the season could go wrong quickly.

The Golden Bears return enough production on their defensive line to feel confident, with T.J. Bollers and Derek Wilkins looking to make an impact upfront.

But the player to know on this defense is linebacker Cade Uluave. He is the only star from last season remaining on this unit, and he’ll need to shine to maintain the unit’s confidence.

All things considered, a defensive drop-off feels unlikely, given Wilcox’s history, both as DC and a head coach.

If the two transfer cornerbacks prove decent, this could be a top 40 scoring “D” once again.

Special Teams

The biggest special teams note is the addition of De Jesus, who earned All-American honors as a returner last year.

Cal needs to improve at the placekicker position, and will also be breaking in a new punter.

Projected Game-by-Game Results (6-6)

at Oregon State: Loss
vs. Texas Southern: Win
vs. Minnesota: Loss
at San Diego State: Win
vs. Boston College: Win
vs. Duke: Loss
vs. North Carolina: Win
at Virginia Tech: Win
vs. Virginia: Win
at Louisville: Loss
at Stanford: Loss
vs. SMU: Loss

Bowl Prediction: LA Bowl

Stanford Cardinal

General Outlook

This is probably not going to be a good year for Stanford, as many experts have projected them to finish at or near the bottom of the ACC.

They have a famous General Manager named Andrew Luck, who is already making an impact on the program, for better or worse.

Luck fired former Cardinal head coach Troy Taylor in the offseason and brought in Frank Reich to replace him. Reich’s NFL experience could allow the Tree to stay close in a lot of games, and maybe steal a few at the end.

Offense

Stanford’s offense was really bad last year and it’s hard to imagine they’ll improve much this season.

Most of Cardinal’s touchdowns last year came from their two quarterbacks, and they both transferred out. Stanford is hoping that Elijah Brown, or transfers Ben Gulbranson and Dylan Rizk, will prove ready to make some plays.

Whoever wins the signal-caller battle should have more protection this season. The line was terrible in 2024, but it boasts enough returners and transfers to hold its own.

The unit returns both guards in Simione Pale and Jack Leyrer, and the tackle duo of Kahlil House and Niki Prongos is expected to be solid.

At running back, Stanford will rely on Micah Ford and Chris Davis, who combined for 597 yards on the ground in 2024, to be the primary ballcarriers.

The Cardinal’s biggest concern on offense is probably their receiving corps. With Elic Ayomanor in the NFL, and Emmett Mosley transferring to Texas, they lack talent at this position.

They are are counting on CJ Williams to fill at least some of the void left by the departure of Ayomanor.

Stanford has a solid tight end in Sam Roush, who gained 334 yards and scored two touchdowns receiving last year.

Defense

Stanford’s defense could end up being decent this year, even with the departure of David Bailey.

At the very minimum, the unit should be able to limit big plays due to talented players in the secondary. Leading the group is cornerback Collin Wright, who had three interceptions and 45 tackles in 2024.

Complimenting him is Jay Green at the safety position. If the Cardinal can find at least one more competent player in the secondary, the unit could be solid.

The Cardinal will also field a veteran defensive line. As long as the DL performs at a similar clip as last year, they’ll be alright. This group will likely deploy a rotation rather than rely on one sack monster.

In the linebacking corps, outside backer Tevarua Tafiti is the guy to watch. Other players hoping to make an impact are Matt Rose and Wilfredo Aybar.

Special Teams

Stanford has a solid kicker in Emmet Kenney, who went 14-17 last year and did not miss an extra point.

Brandon Nicholson and Davis are expected to be the prominent returners this season.

Aidan Flintoft will handle the punting duties.

Projected Game-by-Game Results (4-8)

at Hawaii: Win
at BYU: Loss
vs. Boston College: Loss
at Virginia: Win
vs. San Jose State: Win
at SMU: Loss
vs. Florida State: Loss
at Miami: Loss
vs. Pitt: Loss
at North Carolina: Loss
vs. Cal: Win
vs. Notre Dame: Loss

Bowl Game: None