CAL GOLDEN BEARS TRANSFER PORTAL REVIEW: The Real Story Behind the Coaching Transition

GAME PLAN: Setting the Record Straight

Let me be direct with you—Cal’s transfer portal situation is being misunderstood. Yes, they’re losing players. Yes, the coaching change creates uncertainty. But the REAL story isn’t about mass exodus. It’s about three critical questions:

1. Can new coach Tosh Lupoi keep his juniors from leaving? (Uluave, Raphael)
2. How does Cal replace the best pass rusher in the portal? (TJ Bush Jr.)
3. Can they fix an offensive line that allowed 30 sacks?

Today I’m breaking down the confirmed departures, the players who ACTUALLY have eligibility remaining and could enter the portal, and the strategic decisions Lupoi must make in the next 48 hours. As someone who’s navigated coaching transitions, I’ll show you why this isn’t a crisis—it’s a crossroads.

FILM ROOM: The Confirmed Departures

TJ BUSH JR., EDGE/OLB – THE BIGGEST LOSS 🔥

2025 Stats: 40 tackles (17 solo, 23 assists), 5.5 sacks (team-high), 1 PD
Eligibility: 1 year remaining
Portal Value: Instant starter at Power 4 programs

Coaching Analysis:
This is the loss that hurts. Bush wasn’t just Cal’s best pass rusher—he was the ONLY consistent pass rusher. When you lose 5.5 sacks, you’re not just losing production; you’re losing the one player opposing offensive coordinators had to game-plan around on third down.

Bush was a Freshman All-American at Liberty in 2023, transferred to Cal, and became the anchor of a defensive front that desperately needed more disruption. The fact that he’s entering the portal tells you everything: he sees opportunity elsewhere, and with one year of eligibility, he’s not betting on Lupoi’s rebuild.

Where He’ll Land:
SEC or Big Ten programs will be calling immediately. Think schools that need an immediate edge rusher rental for one season. Georgia, Alabama, Michigan, Ohio State—programs chasing championships who need a proven commodity.

What Cal Loses:

• Their entire pass rush identity
• The one defensive lineman who could single-handedly wreck a play
• Leadership from a three-year starter who knew the system

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EJ CAMINONG, QB – THE SMART DEPARTURE

2025 Stats: Minimal playing time (backup role)
Eligibility: 3 years remaining
Background: Top QB recruit in Washington (2024 class)

Coaching Analysis:
This isn’t a loss—this is smart roster management by the player. Caminong sees the depth chart:

• Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele just threw for 3,454 yards as a TRUE FRESHMAN
• Five-star freshman Nainoa Lopes is arriving in 2026
• There’s no pathway to playing time for 3+ years

The Coaching Truth:
When I had backup quarterbacks in this situation, I encouraged them to explore options. It’s the right move for their career. Caminong has talent and three years of eligibility—he needs reps, not clipboard duty.

Where He’ll Land:
Group of 5 programs or lower-tier Power 4 schools looking for a developmental QB with upside.

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NICK MORROW & LEON BELL – THE OFFENSIVE LINE EXODUS

Nick Morrow – LT, 6’8″ 315 lbs

• Started most of last 2 seasons
• 1,093 career snaps

Leon Bell – RT, 6’8″ 330 lbs

• Started 9 games in 2025
• Former top-20 JUCO prospect
• Rep: Klutch Sports

The Brutal Truth:
Cal allowed 30 sacks in 2025. These two were starting tackles for most of that carnage. When your offensive line ranks near the bottom of the ACC in protection and your franchise QB is getting destroyed, you’ve got a problem.

Coaching Perspective:
Are these losses? On paper, yes—you’re losing starting experience. In reality? Sometimes addition by subtraction is necessary. If your current starters can’t protect the quarterback, you need to find ones who can. Lupoi inherits an offensive line that was fundamentally broken. Losing two pieces of a broken foundation isn’t as devastating as it sounds IF you have a plan to rebuild it correctly.

What Cal Must Do:
Hit the portal HARD for 3-4 experienced offensive linemen who can actually pass protect. This is Priority #1.

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Coaching Points – Confirmed Departures:

• TJ Bush Jr. = Irreplaceable – Need 2 portal EDGE rushers to compensate
• Caminong = Addition by subtraction – No hard feelings, go get reps elsewhere
• 2 OL starters = Necessary rebuild – 30 sacks allowed demands change
• Total confirmed losses: 4 players, only Bush truly hurts

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TIMEOUT: Understanding Senior Attrition vs. Portal Losses

Here’s something critical that’s being confused in the media: Cal is graduating excellent seniors who are OUT OF ELIGIBILITY. These aren’t portal losses—this is normal roster turnover.

GRADUATING SENIORS (NOT PORTAL LOSSES):

Jacob De Jesus, WR – SENIOR

• 108 receptions (ACC-high), 1,030 yards, 6 TDs
• First-team All-ACC all-purpose, second-team WR
• Eligibility: DONE (unless NCAA grants rare waiver)

Hezekiah Masses, CB – SENIOR

• 47 tackles, 5 INTs (team-high), 12 PD
• First-team All-ACC cornerback
• Led nation in passes defended (18)
• Eligibility: DONE

Trond Grizzell, WR – REDSHIRT SENIOR

• 55 receptions, 788 yards, 1 TD
• Eligibility: DONE

The Coaching Reality:
These are HUGE losses to Cal’s production, but they’re not transfer portal drama. Every program in America loses seniors. The question is: how do you replace them?

De Jesus’s 1,030 yards? That’s going to hurt. Masses’s 5 interceptions? That’s a pro-level playmaker gone. But this is the natural cycle of college football. You recruit, develop, and replace.

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SCOUT REPORT: The Players Who Could Actually Leave

This is where Lupoi earns his paycheck. These are the players WITH ELIGIBILITY REMAINING who could devastate Cal if they enter the portal.

CADE ULUAVE, LB – THE FRANCHISE DEFENDER 🔥🔥🔥

2025 Stats: 97 tackles (42 solo, 55 assists), 3 sacks, 4 PD
Career: 219+ tackles, 20+ TFL, 6+ sacks, 3 INT
Accolades: Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of Year (2023), First-team All-ACC (2025), Team Captain
Eligibility: JUNIOR – 1 year remaining
Decision: Stay for senior year OR declare for NFL Draft

Coaching Analysis:
Cade Uluave is the kind of player who defines a defense. That 97-tackle season while playing injured (missed games with hand injury, played with cast)? That’s not just production—that’s toughness, leadership, and football IQ. He’s the quarterback of your defense, making pre-snap adjustments and getting everyone aligned.

The Real Decision Tree:

1. Enter NFL Draft – Solid tape, but not first-round projection yet
2. Enter Transfer Portal – Would be top-5 LB nationally, instant starter anywhere
3. Stay at Cal – Bet on Lupoi’s defensive scheme elevating draft stock

What Lupoi Must Sell:
“Cade, you’re projected Day 3 right now. Give me one year. Let me build a defense around you that puts you in position to make 100+ tackles, 10+ TFLs, and become a top-50 pick. You’ve been a captain here. You’ve bled for this program. Let’s finish what you started and get you to the league as a second-round pick, not a sixth-rounder.”

If He Leaves:
Cal’s defense loses its identity, communication, and leader. This would be catastrophic.

If He Stays:
Cal has a legitimate All-American candidate anchoring the defense.

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KENDRICK RAPHAEL, RB – THE WORKHORSE 🔥

2025 Stats:

• Rushing: 232 carries, 943 yards, 4.1 avg, 13 TDs
• Receiving: 34 rec, 245 yards, 1 TD
• TOTAL: 1,188 yards, 14 TDs

Background: NC State transfer, JUNIOR
Eligibility: 1 year remaining
All-ACC: Honorable mention

Coaching Analysis:
Raphael came from NC State and immediately became Cal’s offensive identity. Seventh in the ACC in yards from scrimmage despite playing behind an offensive line that allowed 30 sacks. Think about that—defenses were loading the box because they didn’t respect Cal’s pass protection, and Raphael STILL produced 943 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns.

Why He Might Leave:

• New offensive coordinator = new scheme
• Offensive line allowed 30 sacks = nightmare for RBs
• One year left = wants to maximize production
• Could transfer to Georgia/Alabama/Texas and run behind NFL-caliber OL

Why He Should Stay:

• Chemistry with Sagapolutele entering Year 2
• Lupoi promises OL rebuild through portal
• Proven production in ACC already
• Chance to be THE guy in an offense built around him

What Cal Loses If He Leaves:
943 rushing yards, 13 TDs, and the only offensive weapon opposing defenses truly feared besides De Jesus (who’s graduating anyway).

What Lupoi Must Do:
Show Raphael the portal OL targets. Prove with film and commitments that the offensive line will be fixed. Give him a concrete reason to believe Year 2 will be better.

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LUKE FERRELLI, LB – THE RISING STAR

2025 Stats: 91 tackles (38 solo, 53 assists), 1 sack, 1 INT, 1 PD
Background: Redshirted 2024, became starter in 2025
Eligibility: 3+ years remaining
All-ACC: Honorable mention

Coaching Analysis:
Ferrelli is the perfect example of player development. Redshirt year, learn the system, then explode for 91 tackles in his first season of action. He made the game-clinching interception at the goal line against Boston College—that’s clutch playmaking.

Why He Might Leave:

• New defensive coordinator = new scheme
• Worried about fit in Lupoi’s system
• Could get recruited over by portal LBs

Why He Should Stay:

• Three years of eligibility left = time to develop
• Just broke into starting lineup = building momentum
• Lupoi’s defensive background = perfect mentor
• Playing alongside Uluave (if he stays) = learn from the best

The Verdict:
Ferrelli is less likely to leave than Uluave or Raphael. He’s younger, has more time, and just earned his starting job. But Lupoi needs to reassure him he’s part of the future.

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MASON MINI, TE – THE WILDCARD

2025 Stats: 35 rec, 387 yards, 4 TDs, 11.1 avg
Also: 2/2 passing, 58 yards, 1 TD (508.6 passer rating!)
Background: Idaho transfer

Coaching Analysis:
Mini became a reliable security blanket for Sagapolutele. That 387 yards and 4 TDs is solid TE production. The fact that he also completed 2 passes for a TD shows offensive creativity.

Portal Risk: Moderate – New OC might not feature TEs the same way

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X’s and O’s: Cal’s Portal Strategy

WHAT CAL DESPERATELY NEEDS:

PRIORITY #1: OFFENSIVE LINE (3-4 TRANSFERS MINIMUM)

• The Problem: 30 sacks allowed, losing 2 starting tackles
• The Solution: Hit the portal for experienced Power 4 OL with pass-pro skills
• Why It Matters: Sagapolutele can’t develop if he’s running for his life
• Target Profile: Grad transfers with 2+ years starting experience at Power 4 level

PRIORITY #2: EDGE RUSHERS (2 TRANSFERS)

• The Problem: Losing TJ Bush Jr. (5.5 sacks), only had 21 team sacks total
• The Solution: Find 2 explosive pass rushers from portal
• Why It Matters: ACC offenses will shred you without pressure
• Target Profile: 3+ sack producers with speed-to-power conversion

PRIORITY #3: WIDE RECEIVERS (1-2 TRANSFERS)

• The Problem: Losing Jacob De Jesus (1,030 yards, 108 rec)
• The Solution: Find proven slot receiver + outside threat
• Why It Matters: Can’t waste Sagapolutele’s development with no weapons
• Target Profile: 500+ yard producers with good hands

PRIORITY #4: CORNERBACK (1 TRANSFER)

• The Problem: Losing Hezekiah Masses (5 INTs, 18 PD)
• The Solution: Ball-hawking corner with coverage skills
• Why It Matters: ACC passing attacks are elite
• Target Profile: 3+ INT career, press-man capability

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THE COACHING CONVERSATION: What Lupoi Must Do

I’ve been through coaching transitions. Here’s what separates successful retention from disaster:

Week 1 (NOW): Individual meetings with every key player

• Understand their concerns
• Show them the vision
• Be honest about competition and roles

Week 2 (Portal Opens): Show concrete action

• Announce OL portal commitments
• Demonstrate you’re fixing the problems
• Prove this isn’t empty promises

Week 3-4: Build momentum

• Get Uluave and Raphael to publicly commit to staying
• Use their commitments to recruit portal players
• Create FOMO (fear of missing out) for fence-sitters

The Pitch to Uluave:
“You’re a 219-tackle, team captain linebacker who’s projecting Day 3 in the draft. Stay. Let me build a defense that showcases you as a 100+ tackle, 12+ TFL monster. Be the leader of a defense that goes from bottom-third ACC to top-5. Leave as a second-round pick, not a practice squad player.”

The Pitch to Raphael:
“I’m bringing in three experienced offensive tackles THIS MONTH. You just ran for 943 yards behind an OL that allowed 30 sacks. Imagine what you’ll do behind actual protection. Stay. Be the featured back in an offense built around you and Sagapolutele. Leave as a 1,200-yard rusher with NFL scouts watching every game.”

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PORTAL PREDICTION: Three Scenarios

BEST CASE (40% Probability):

STAY: Uluave, Raphael, Ferrelli, Mini
ADD: 4 OL transfers, 2 EDGE rushers, 2 WRs, 1 CB
RESULT: Cal builds around Sagapolutele, competes for 6-7 wins, momentum for 2027

LIKELY SCENARIO (45% Probability):

LEAVE: Uluave (NFL), Bush (confirmed), 2 OL (confirmed)
STAY: Raphael, Ferrelli, Mini
ADD: 3 OL, 1 EDGE, 2 WRs, 1 CB
RESULT: 4-6 win season, foundation set but growing pains

WORST CASE (15% Probability):

LEAVE: Uluave (portal), Raphael, Bush, Ferrelli, 2 OL
RESULT: Need 8+ portal additions, lose recruiting class momentum, 3-9 season, multi-year rebuild

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COACHING POINTS – Final Takeaways

1. The next 10 days determine the next 3 years – Retention = everything
2. Uluave staying vs. leaving is the difference between rebuild and disaster
3. Offensive line portal additions are NON-NEGOTIABLE – Must sign 3-4 experienced tackles
4. Bush leaving hurts, but can be addressed with 2 good portal EDGE rushers
5. Graduating seniors (De Jesus, Masses) are big losses but normal attrition
6. Keeping Sagapolutele is the foundation – Everything builds around him

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THE BOTTOM LINE

Cal isn’t facing mass exodus. They’re facing normal senior attrition (De Jesus, Masses, Grizzell) plus strategic departures (Bush seeking better opportunity, Caminong needing playing time, OL being replaced).

The REAL question: Can Tosh Lupoi convince Cade Uluave and Kendrick Raphael to stay?

If both stay: Cal has a legitimate defense (Uluave + Ferrelli at LB) and offense (Sagapolutele + Raphael) to build around. Add portal pieces and compete.

If both leave: Cal needs 6-8 portal additions just to maintain competitiveness. That’s a rebuild, not a reload.

The portal opens in 48 hours. Lupoi has one month of relationship equity. Time to cash it in.

What would YOU do if you were Cade Uluave? Stay and bet on Lupoi’s vision, or enter the NFL Draft/Portal? Drop your take in the comments.

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Follow for daily transfer portal analysis as decisions unfold. This is coaching chess, not checkers.

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