Cal and Stanford: 2025 Soccer Previews and Predictions

California Golden Bears

Normal Outlook

This in all probability isn’t Cal’s greatest workforce, however a comparatively simple schedule ought to assist compensate for its shortcomings.

Coming into his tenth 12 months, head coach Justin Wilcox has but to seek out his groove with the Golden Bears, having posted an total document of 42-50, with simply two successful seasons.

He doubtless must do extra this 12 months than in earlier seasons to maintain followers in Berkeley glad and engaged. Whereas a bowl recreation would mark his third-straight postseason look, that is probably not sufficient.

The Bears haven’t had a successful marketing campaign since 2019.

Offense

California’s offense will look considerably totally different this season, after dropping a number of notable playmakers within the switch portal.

The departure of Fernando Mendoza and Jaydn Ott in all probability damage probably the most, however a number of different prime guys left gaping holes, together with tight finish Jack Endries.

A whole offensive remake can be required to maneuver ahead this 12 months below new coordinator Bryan Harsin.

Then once more, a remake is probably not the worst factor, contemplating the Bears had the Ninetieth-ranked scoring offense nationally in 2024.

And after ending tied with Oklahoma for probably the most sacks allowed within the FBS final season, Cal can be breaking in a brand new offensive line this 12 months, with a number of transfers contributing.

The largest storyline on this facet of the ball is at quarterback. The Bears introduced in former Ohio State prospect Devin Brown to compete with Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele for the beginning spot.

Whoever wins the job could have skinny fingers on the receiver place.

Cal misplaced all of its essential wideouts aside from Trond Grizzell. Nonetheless, the Bears additionally added UNLV switch Jacob De Jesus, who has confirmed shifty within the slot and the return recreation.

Protection

Wilcox’s offenses have been inconsistent over time, however his defenses have been reliably stable.

This 12 months might show to be an exception, although, because the Bears have needed to substitute their total secondary. Most notably, Nohl Williams and Craig Woodson have taken their abilities to the NFL.

Defensive backs coach Keith Heyward might want to determine the move protection earlier than convention play begins, or the season might go mistaken shortly.

The Golden Bears return sufficient manufacturing on their defensive position to really feel assured, with T.J. Bollers and Derek Wilkins trying to make an impression upfront.

However the participant to know on this protection is linebacker Cade Uluave. He’s the one star from final season remaining on this unit, and he’ll must shine to take care of the unit’s confidence.

All issues thought-about, a defensive drop-off feels unlikely, given Wilcox’s historical past, each as DC and a head coach.

If the 2 switch cornerbacks show respectable, this might be a prime 40 scoring “D” as soon as once more.

Particular Groups

The largest particular groups observe is the addition of De Jesus, who earned All-American honors as a returner final 12 months.

Cal wants to enhance on the placekicker place, and also will be breaking in a brand new punter.

Projected Sport-by-Sport Outcomes (6-6)

at Oregon State: Loss
vs. Texas Southern: Win
vs. Minnesota: Loss
at San Diego State: Win
vs. Boston Faculty: Win
vs. Duke: Loss
vs. North Carolina: Win
at Virginia Tech: Win
vs. Virginia: Win
at Louisville: Loss
at Stanford: Loss
vs. SMU: Loss

Bowl Prediction: LA Bowl

Stanford Cardinal

Normal Outlook

This might be not going to be an excellent 12 months for Stanford, as many consultants have projected them to complete at or close to the underside of the ACC.

They’ve a well-known Normal Supervisor named Andrew Luck, who’s already making an impression on this system, for higher or worse.

Luck fired former Cardinal head coach Troy Taylor within the offseason and introduced in Frank Reich to switch him. Reich’s NFL expertise might enable the Tree to remain shut in a number of video games, and possibly steal a couple of on the finish.

Offense

Stanford’s offense was actually unhealthy final 12 months and it’s exhausting to think about they’ll enhance a lot this season.

Most of Cardinal’s touchdowns final 12 months got here from their two quarterbacks, they usually each transferred out. Stanford is hoping that Elijah Brown, or transfers Ben Gulbranson and Dylan Rizk, will show able to make some performs.

Whoever wins the signal-caller battle ought to have extra safety this season. The road was horrible in 2024, nevertheless it boasts sufficient returners and transfers to carry its personal.

The unit returns each guards in Simione Pale and Jack Leyrer, and the deal with duo of Kahlil Home and Niki Prongos is predicted to be stable.

At operating again, Stanford will depend on Micah Ford and Chris Davis, who mixed for 597 yards on the bottom in 2024, to be the first ballcarriers.

The Cardinal’s largest concern on offense might be their receiving corps. With Elic Ayomanor within the NFL, and Emmett Mosley transferring to Texas, they lack expertise at this place.

They’re are relying on CJ Williams to fill at the very least a few of the void left by the departure of Ayomanor.

Stanford has a stable tight finish in Sam Roush, who gained 334 yards and scored two touchdowns receiving final 12 months.

Protection

Stanford’s protection might find yourself being respectable this 12 months, even with the departure of David Bailey.

On the very minimal, the unit ought to have the ability to restrict large performs as a result of gifted gamers within the secondary. Main the group is cornerback Collin Wright, who had three interceptions and 45 tackles in 2024.

Complimenting him is Jay Inexperienced on the security place. If the Cardinal can discover at the very least yet one more competent participant within the secondary, the unit might be stable.

The Cardinal can even area a veteran defensive position. So long as the DL performs at an identical clip as final 12 months, they’ll be alright. This group will doubtless deploy a rotation slightly than depend on one sack monster.

Within the linebacking corps, exterior backer Tevarua Tafiti is the man to observe. Different gamers hoping to make an impression are Matt Rose and Wilfredo Aybar.

Particular Groups

Stanford has a stable kicker in Emmet Kenney, who went 14-17 final 12 months and didn’t miss an additional level.

Brandon Nicholson and Davis are anticipated to be the outstanding returners this season.

Aidan Flintoft will deal with the punting duties.

Projected Sport-by-Sport Outcomes (408)

at Hawaii: Win
at BYU: Loss
vs. Boston Faculty: Loss
at Virginia: Win
vs. San Jose State: Win
at SMU: Loss
vs. Florida State: Loss
at Miami: Loss
vs. Pitt: Loss
at North Carolina: Loss
vs. Cal: Win
vs. Notre Dame: Loss

Bowl Sport: None