Finishing just 4-8 in 2022 marked the third straight year the California Golden Bears logged a losing record. Head coach Justin Wilcox is entering a critical seventh year on the job with a 30-36 record. We’re looking at the Bears’ 2024 NFL Draft prospects as well as their notable roster changes and schedule this fall.
California Golden Bears Roster and Depth Chart Changes
The Golden Bears were able to put together one of the stronger transfer portal efforts in the nation, taking on a ton of skill-position players over additions in the trenches. California’s 17 additions will be relied upon, with as many as nine expected to fight for a starting job right away. That includes a three-way battle with transfer quarterbacks Sam Jackson, Ben Finley, and Luke Bottari.
With only two additions likely to start along the offensive and defensive lines total, the Bears have to rely on their flurry of receivers and DB newcomers to be difference-makers. There’s significant room for playmakers Taj Davis, Brian Hightower, J.T. Byrne, and Asher Alberding to carve out a role on offense, for example.
California’s best player is true sophomore running back Jaydn Ott. Ott totaled 1,218 yards and 11 touchdowns last year, bursting onto the scene despite playing on one of the nation’s weakest offenses. Whoever plays quarterback will benefit from Ott and star receiver Jeremiah Hunter.
California NFL Draft Prospects
Jeremiah Hunter, WR
Only a redshirt junior, there’s no guarantee Hunter will be in the 2024 class. Nevertheless, the team’s leading receiver returns with quite a résumé.
At 6’2″, 200 pounds, Hunter has averaged 16.7 yards per catch through two seasons, and in 2022, broke out with 965 yards and five scores.
Hunter pops off the tape, playing with great urgency and utilizing his size on the sideline. He’s a plus athlete with an effortless burst off the line of scrimmage, creating easy separation. He has all the physical tools to be a productive player at the next level.
Most of Hunter’s production came against zone due to how defenses played against a struggling Cal offense. With his ability to create with a well-rounded game and fierce mindset, Hunter will see his stock rise above a high Day 3 grade if he can prove to be effective against man coverage.
Jackson Sirmon, LB
Cal’s leading tackler, Jackson Sirmon, is also back this fall. Producing 104 tackles, 3.5 sacks, one interception, and one forced fumble last year, Sirmon filled the stat sheet in every way possible.
The former Washington linebacker has good size for the modern game, standing 6’3″ and 235 pounds. As expected from someone with four years of experience, Sirmon plays with confidence and patience.
He does well to keep his eyes in the backfield as plays unfold, and his closing ability allows him to be effective in zone coverage. Sirmon isn’t an overly explosive player who handles man coverage often, though, so he’s more of a traditional middle linebacker with two-down value at the next level right now.
Increasing his blitzing impact and coverage range would boost Sirmon’s value beyond his current late Day 3 projection.
California Golden Bears Schedule
- Week 1
BYE - Week 2
Sept. 2: at North Texas Mean Green - Week 3
Sept. 9: vs. Auburn Tigers - Week 4
Sept. 16: vs. Idaho Vandals - Week 5
Sept. 23: at Washington Huskies - Week 6
Sept. 30: vs. Arizona State Sun Devils - Week 7
Oct. 7: vs. Oregon State Beavers - Week 8
Oct. 14: at Utah Utes - Week 9
BYE - Week 10
Oct. 28: vs. USC Trojans - Week 11
Nov. 4: at Oregon Ducks - Week 12
Nov. 11: vs. Washington State Cougars - Week 13
Nov. 18: vs. Stanford Cardinal - Week 14
Nov. 25: at UCLA Bruins - Week 15
BYE