Cal and Stanford: 2025 Soccer Previews and Predictions

California Golden Bears

Basic Outlook

This most likely isn’t Cal’s greatest workforce, however a comparatively straightforward schedule ought to assist compensate for its shortcomings.

Getting into his tenth yr, head coach Justin Wilcox has but to search out his groove with the Golden Bears, having posted an total file of 42-50, with simply two profitable seasons.

He seemingly must do extra this yr than in earlier seasons to maintain followers in Berkeley completely happy and engaged. Whereas a bowl sport would mark his third-straight postseason look, that is probably not sufficient.

The Bears haven’t had a profitable 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 most likely harm probably the most, however a number of different high guys left gaping holes, together with tight finish Jack Endries.

A whole offensive remake might be required to maneuver ahead this yr beneath 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 might be breaking in a brand new offensive line this yr, with a number of transfers contributing.

The most important storyline on this aspect 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 can have skinny fingers on the receiver place.

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

Protection

Wilcox’s offenses have been inconsistent through the years, however his defenses have been reliably strong.

This yr may show to be an exception, although, because the Bears have needed to change their complete secondary. Most notably, Nohl Williams and Craig Woodson have taken their skills to the NFL.

Defensive backs coach Keith Heyward might want to determine the go protection earlier than convention play begins, or the season may go incorrect rapidly.

The Golden Bears return sufficient manufacturing on their line of defense 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 keep up the unit’s confidence.

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

If the 2 switch cornerbacks show first rate, this may very well be a high 40 scoring “D” as soon as once more.

Particular Groups

The greatest particular groups notice is the addition of De Jesus, who earned All-American honors as a returner final yr.

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 School: 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

Basic Outlook

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

They’ve a well-known Basic 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 exchange him. Reich’s NFL expertise may permit the Tree to remain shut in a number of video games, and possibly steal a number of on the finish.

Offense

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

Most of Cardinal’s touchdowns final yr 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, however it boasts sufficient returners and transfers to carry its personal.

The unit returns each guards in Simione Pale and Jack Leyrer, and the sort out duo of Kahlil Home and Niki Prongos is anticipated to be strong.

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 greatest 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 least among the void left by the departure of Ayomanor.

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

Protection

Stanford’s protection may find yourself being first rate this yr, even with the departure of David Bailey.

On the very minimal, the unit ought to be capable to restrict huge performs on account of proficient 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 least yet another competent participant within the secondary, the unit may very well be strong.

The Cardinal may also subject a veteran line of defense. So long as the DL performs at the same clip as final yr, they’ll be alright. This group will seemingly deploy a rotation relatively 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 strong kicker in Emmet Kenney, who went 14-17 final yr 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 School: 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