By Mark Pszonak
Now that the spring portal window is closed, it is a good time to take an overall look at some of the biggest winners and losers of this cycle. While there can be plenty of debate regarding the winners, when it comes to losers, there is one clear far-and-away leader – Cal.
Coming off a 6-7 season in 2024, which concluded in a loss to UNLV in the LA Bowl, not much has gone right for the Golden Bears since December. While the loss of potential star quarterback Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) headlined the departures, there were several positions that took a deep hit, especially at running back where five scholarship players entered during the spring.
Jaydn Ott’s (Oklahoma) departure was a blow to the backfield, especially since the announcement came during a two-day span when three other backs entered the portal. But then everything got even worse when 2024’s leading rusher, Jaivian Thomas (UCLA), joined the group soon after. Losing five scholarship running backs in one week is a transfer nightmare, especially when it happens during the spring.
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To make things even worse for the offense, the wide receiver and tight end position were also hit hard. At receiver, Nyziah Hunter (Nebraska), Josiah Martin (Oklahoma), Mikey Matthews (UCLA) and Jonathan Brady (not committed) all transferred, while at tight end, the loss of 2024’s reception leader, Jack Endries (Texas), during the spring, further magnified Cal’s losses. These five players totaled 176 receptions for 1,971 yards and 11 touchdowns during the 2024 season.
The defensive side of the ball didn’t take as much of a hit, with linebacker David Reese (Syracuse), safety Brooklyn Cheek (Wyoming) and safety Ryan Yaites (not committed) headlining the departures.
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Head Coach Justin Wilcox was already on the hotseat prior to the mass exodus. Having compiled a 42-50 record in eight seasons in Berkeley, he needs to show improvement in 2025 if he has any chance of returning in 2026. And that task has gotten considerably more difficult because of the transfer portal.
