Tue Jan 13 04:50:00 UTC 2026: # Cal Bears Suffer Linebacker Exodus, Cade Uluave Transfers to BYU

The Story:

The California Golden Bears football program is experiencing a significant upheaval within its linebacker corps, highlighted by the departure of star linebacker Cade Uluave to BYU. Uluave, recognized as one of the top linebackers in the transfer portal, leaves a major void after a stellar 2025 season where he recorded 100 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. His exit is part of a larger trend of linebackers leaving the program, forcing the coaching staff to prioritize linebacker recruitment to fill the numerous gaps.

Key Points:

  • Cade Uluave, Cal’s defensive captain and top-rated linebacker, is transferring to BYU.
  • Uluave amassed 100 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 5 quarterback hurries, and broke up 6 passes in 2025.
  • Other linebackers leaving Cal include Luke Ferrelli (Clemson), Ryan McCulloch (UCLA), Harrison Taggart, Eze Osondu, Curlee Thomas (North Texas) and Buom Jock.
  • Aaron Hampton is now slated to be the starting Mike linebacker.
  • The Cal coaching staff, led by Tosh Lupoi, will prioritize linebacker recruitment.
  • The article lists numerous incoming and outgoing players at various positions, indicating a significant roster turnover.

Critical Analysis:

The transfer of Cade Uluave to BYU is not an isolated event, but rather the culmination of a trend. The earlier news reports of BYU signing Uluave and him being one of the top linebackers in the portal foreshadow the primary article. It’s likely Uluave saw a better opportunity, either in terms of playing time, NIL deals, or coaching, at BYU. The departure of multiple linebackers suggests potential issues with the coaching staff, team culture, or playing opportunities within the Cal program.

Key Takeaways:

  • The transfer portal continues to be a double-edged sword for college football programs, allowing for rapid roster construction but also exposing them to significant player losses.
  • Losing a player of Cade Uluave’s caliber creates a substantial challenge for Cal’s defense.
  • Cal’s coaching staff faces an immediate need to address the depleted linebacker position through the transfer portal and recruiting.
  • BYU’s acquisition of Uluave significantly strengthens their defense for the upcoming season.
  • Massive roster turnover via the transfer portal is becoming increasingly common, requiring programs to adapt quickly and strategically.

Impact Analysis:

The loss of Uluave and other linebackers will likely have a negative impact on Cal’s defensive performance in the short term. The ability of the coaching staff to effectively recruit and develop new linebackers will determine the long-term success of the program. BYU, on the other hand, stands to benefit significantly from Uluave’s addition, potentially improving their defensive capabilities and overall competitiveness. The event series underscores the ongoing volatility in college football due to the transfer portal, and the crucial role coaches play in managing roster changes and maintaining team cohesion.

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