“Get ready for a tale of crisis and chaos in the world of college athletics. The University of California, Berkeley’s athletic program, affectionately known as Cal, finds itself at the precipice of a perfect storm. A perfect storm that threatens to upend the very fabric of the program. In recent weeks, a seemingly unstoppable exodus of top talent has left fans, coaches, and administrators alike scratching their heads. But that’s not all – a powerful donor has issued an ultimatum that will send shockwaves throughout the athletic department. And to make matters worse, the football program, once a proud and storied tradition, is running out of runway. Will the Golden Bears be able to right the ship before it’s too late? Dive into the latest from CBS Sports to find out.”
Implications for Cal’s Recruiting Strategy
What’s happening at Cal isn’t just a run-of-the-mill transfer portal churn. Of the 22 total outgoing transfers off a team that finished 6-7, 18 play offense, including all five running backs who transferred this week, making up for the most staggering spring portal window storyline this side of Knoxville, Tennessee.
Several people with direct knowledge of the Cal football program, who were granted anonymity to speak candidly, described to Instachronicles a program at a crossroads – the culmination of the fallout of uneasy relationships, behind-the-scenes power struggles and a program quietly slipping into one of the most precarious positions in the Power Four.
Running Back Exodus and Its Implications
Jaydn Ott’s Departure
Ott’s decision to transfer to Oklahoma was a dagger to the heart of Cal’s running back depth chart. He had flirted with other programs before, with Georgia and Oklahoma both pursuing him last December. He stayed in Berkeley after publicly recommitting on social media, but sources say his patience ran out this spring – the final straw in an environment that had already grown tenuous.
Oklahoma football has bigger problems than transfer portal prize Jaydn Ott can fix Tom Fornelli
Ott isn’t alone. Cal was prepared for the loss of three other running backs – Kadarius Calloway, Byron Cardwell Jr., and Justin Williams-Thomas – with the expectation of leaning heavily on Jaivian Thomas, who led the team in rushing during Ott’s injury-plagued 2024 season. That was the word Tuesday night, at least. Wednesday, sources say the expectation is still to heavily lean on Jaivian Thomas.
Other Running Backs Leaving the Program
Kadarius Calloway, Byron Cardwell Jr., and Justin Williams-Thomas transferring, leaving Jaivian Thomas expected to play a key role in the offense.
What This Means for Cal’s Football Program
The running back exodus is not just a run-of-the-mill transfer portal churn. The loss of talent and depth at a position group that the school prides itself on is a significant blow to the program. It raises questions about the program’s direction and stability, and whether or not they can recover from this kind of talent drain.
The Bigger Picture: College Football’s Transfer Portal
The NCAA Spring Transfer Portal Cycle
The NCAA spring transfer portal cycle for the 2025 college football season officially opens on Wednesday and will remain open through Friday, April 25. Though some players announced their intentions to transfer prior to Wednesday, they cannot officially enter the portal until it opened.
Given that thousands of FBS players enter the portal each cycle and NIL – as well as the upcoming House v. NCAA settlement – has become a differentiating factor in player acquisition, expect to see plenty of movement this offseason in what has become one of the most important periods on the college football calendar.
NIL’s Impact on Player Acquisition
NIL has changed the college football landscape, and its impact on player acquisition is significant. The ability to earn money and secure endorsements has become a major factor in a player’s decision-making process, and it’s no longer just about playing for a top program.
Instachronicles will continue to track the transfer portal window and provide updates as the process continues over the next month. Hit the key links below and keep scrolling for live updates.
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of the unraveling of Cal’s football program, it’s clear that the Golden Bears are facing a perfect storm of challenges that threaten to upend their very existence. The article highlights the mass exodus of star players, a donor ultimatum that demands significant changes, and a program running out of runway to get back on track. The cumulative effect of these factors is a sense of urgency that cannot be ignored.
The significance of Cal’s plight extends far beyond the confines of Berkeley. The program’s struggles serve as a microcosm for the larger issues plaguing college athletics, including the exploitation of student-athletes and the unsustainable financial models that underpin many programs. As Cal’s situation continues to deteriorate, it will be fascinating to see how other programs adapt and respond to these challenges. Will they follow Cal’s lead, or will they find a way to thrive despite the obstacles?