As I sit down to analyze the upcoming Cal football season, I can’t help but feel a genuine sense of anticipation. Last year was rough—really rough. The team only managed to win a single game, and frankly, it was hard to watch at times. But something shifted toward the end of the season, and if you ask me, the performance of players like Ray Yusi and Shawn Vergara gave everyone a reason to believe again. I remember watching that game where they each dropped 15 points—or markers, as some prefer to call them—and thinking, "This could be the start of something." It wasn’t just the scoring; it was the energy, the teamwork, the sheer determination. For a squad that had been written off by so many, that game felt like a turning point. And now, heading into this season, I’m convinced we’re looking at a team that’s ready to surprise a lot of people.
Let’s talk about those key players for a moment. Ray Yusi and Shawn Vergara aren’t just names on a roster—they’re the kind of athletes who change the tempo of a game. Vergara, in particular, has this explosive speed that I haven’t seen in a Cal uniform in years. I’ve followed his development since his high school days, and his ability to read defenses is already at a professional level. Yusi, on the other hand, brings a calm, methodical approach. His 15-point outing last season wasn’t a fluke; it came from smart positioning and relentless practice. Together, they form a duo that can exploit gaps in even the toughest opponents. I’ve spoken with a few insiders close to the program, and the word is that the coaching staff has built new offensive sets specifically to leverage their versatility. If they stay healthy—and that’s a big if, given the physical demands of the season—I expect them to combine for at least 30 points in at least four or five games this year. That kind of production could easily translate into three or four additional wins compared to last season’s dismal record.
Of course, football isn’t just about individual brilliance. The schedule this year presents both opportunities and serious challenges. The home opener against Stanford, for instance, is one I’ve circled on my calendar. Rivalry games always carry extra weight, but this one feels especially pivotal. Stanford’s defense allowed an average of 24 points per game last year, which isn’t terrible, but they struggled against dual-threat players like Yusi and Vergara. If Cal’ offensive line can hold up—and that’s a 50-50 proposition based on last year’s 42 sacks allowed—I think we could see an upset in the making. Then there’s the mid-season clash with Oregon. I’ll be honest: Oregon scares me. Their roster is stacked with future NFL talent, and they put up an average of 38 points per game in 2022. But here’s where my bias shows: I believe Cal’s underdog status could work in their favor. No one expects them to win, so they can play loose, take risks. A strong showing there, even in a loss, would build momentum.
Another game that doesn’t get enough attention is the road trip to Washington. The Huskies are rebuilding, much like Cal, but they’ve had more consistency in recruiting. Still, I see this as a winnable game, especially if Cal’s secondary—which improved by roughly 15% in pass coverage drills this spring—can disrupt their aerial attack. Statistically, Washington converted on third down just 34% of the time last season, which is below the Power Five average. If Cal can force a couple of early three-and-outs, they could control the clock and let Yusi and Vergara work their magic. Personally, I’d love to see more creative play-calling in these situations. Screen passes, bootlegs—anything to keep the defense guessing. Too often last year, the playbook felt predictable, and it cost them close games.
Looking beyond individual matchups, the overall team dynamic seems healthier. The Braves have added two new assistant coaches with professional experience, and I’m told the strength and conditioning program has been overhauled. Last season, the team averaged around 310 yards per game total offense, which placed them near the bottom of the conference. Early scrimmage data suggests they’re on track to boost that by at least 40 yards per game, thanks in part to a faster tempo and better decision-making from the quarterback room. I know some fans are skeptical—and rightly so, after a 1-11 season—but I’m choosing to be optimistic. There’s a palpable shift in morale during practices, and the leadership council, led by a couple of seniors, has been vocal about holding everyone accountable.
As we approach kickoff, my prediction is that Cal finishes with a 6-6 record, maybe even 7-5 if the breaks go their way. That might sound ambitious, but remember, this is a program that won just a single game last year. Progress doesn’t always happen in leaps; sometimes it’s those small, gritty wins that build a foundation. Yusi and Vergara are central to that, but they’ll need the offensive line to cut down on penalties—last year, they averaged 8 per game—and the special teams unit to improve field position. From where I stand, the pieces are there. It’s all about execution now. I’ll be watching closely, and if what I saw in spring camp is any indication, this could be one of the most entertaining Cal teams in recent memory. Not necessarily the best, but certainly one that plays with heart. And in football, that counts for a lot.
