Tosh Lupoi takes over as Cal’s head coach in 2026 after serving as Oregon’s defensive coordinator. Jordan Somerville joined the staff as offensive coordinator, but Lupoi shifted offensive play-calling responsibilities to passing-game coordinator Pat McCann during the October 3 loss to UNLV. Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele returns at quarterback. Update (Oct. 12): QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele missed the Virginia Tech game while recovering from a concussion suffered against UNLV. Jackson Brousseau started in his place and threw for 321 yards and one touchdown. Cal also features a new-look running back room following Kendrick Raphael’s departure, with Washington transfer Adam Mohammed, UTEP transfer Ashten Emory, and UC Davis transfer Carter Vargas joining the program. The Golden Bears must replace their top two receivers from last season, Jacob De Jesus and Trond Grizzell, but return four of their top eight pass catchers: Mason Mini, Quaron Adams, Jordan King, and Mark Hamper. Rutgers transfer Ian Strong also joins the receiving corps. The offensive line returns Tyson Ruffins after 12 starts last season, Siopae Vatikani after eight, Frederick Williams after five, and Bastian Swinney after four. Mississippi State transfer Jimothy Lewis joins the group after making four starts last season.
Michael Hutchings takes over as defensive coordinator. Cal returns three of its top eleven tacklers from last season after losing its top four. Aaron Hampton returns at linebacker, while Cam Sidney and Aiden Manutai return in the secondary. Georgia transfer Daniel Harris joins a defense that features several new starters in 2026.
Zach Tinker takes over as special teams coordinator. Chase Meyer returns at placekicker, while Tulsa transfer Angus Davies joins the program at punter. Washington transfer Adam Mohammed brings kickoff-return experience after averaging 26.3 yards per return last season. Cal’s primary punt-return role entered the season unsettled.
Cal entered 2026 with a new head coach and new coordinators on both sides of the ball. It also integrated several new contributors across the roster. The midseason shift in offensive play-calling responsibilities and Sagapolutele’s concussion forced additional adjustments for the Golden Bears, who continue to integrate several new players into important roles.