By Mark Pszonak
College coaches try to prepare for the opening of the two transfer portal windows, but sometimes the unexpected happens. At Cal, the Golden Bears have seen four scholarship running backs enter the portal since Monday, which has completely gutted the position.
First was Justin Williams-Thomas, who was a four-star Class of 2022 recruit who signed with Tennessee before transferring to Cal. Injuries derailed Williams-Thomas’ time in Berkeley, as he only played in nine games during his two seasons.
Next was the biggest one, Jaydn Ott. In his three seasons with the Golden Bears he rushed for 2,597 yards and 24 touchdowns. He also proved to be a dangerous receiving threat, with 95 receptions for 736 yards and six touchdowns. Ott’s transfer recruiting process ended quickly with a commitment to Oklahoma on Tuesday.
The last two of the group were Byron Cardwell and Kadarius Calloway, who transferred to Cal from Oregon and Old Dominion. While the two only combined for 199 yards and one touchdown during the 2024 season, they had combined to rush for more than 1,100 yards during their collegiate careers.
Cal has lost FOUR running backs to the transfer portal in the last few days
Jaydn Ott
Byron Cardwell
Kadarius Calloway
Justin Williams-Thomas pic.twitter.com/2J8QZwnfYV— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) April 15, 2025
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With most of the experience gone, the only returning running back who has received substantial collegiate playing time is Jaivian Thomas, who rushed for 626 yards and seven touchdowns last season. Also, keep an eye on incoming true freshman Anthony League, who arrives with plenty of excitement surrounding him.
As a result of this week’s transfers, Cal will now have to add a running back or two through the portal to add some depth and experience to the position. There is no time to pout or complain when it comes to the transfer portal.
