Cal Football Season Preview and Key Players to Watch This Year

Walking into Memorial Stadium this season feels different somehow. There’s a buzz in the air that wasn’t here last fall, a kind of cautious optimism that’s hard to ignore. I’ve been covering Cal football for the better part of a decade now, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that momentum can turn on a dime. Last year was rough—really rough. One win all season. You don’t easily forget that kind of struggle. But something shifted toward the end of the year, a spark that’s carried over into this Cal football season preview and key players to watch this year. And if you ask me where that spark came from, I’d point directly to players like Ray Yusi and Shawn Vergara. I remember watching them in that final game, the way they moved on the field with this quiet confidence. They weren’t just playing; they were setting a tone. When the final whistle blew, they’d each put up 15 points—what we used to call "markers" back in my playing days. It wasn’t just the numbers, though. It was the timing. In a season where hope felt scarce, their performance gave the Braves something tangible to build on. You could see it in the way the team celebrated after, like they’d rediscovered a part of themselves. From where I sit, that game wasn’t an ending. It was a starting point.

Let’s be real for a second—coming off a 1-win season isn’t just a bad record. It gets into players’ heads. I’ve seen it happen before. Morale dips, doubt creeps in, and suddenly you’re not just fighting opponents; you’re fighting your own legacy. That’s where Cal was not too long ago. But what Yusi and Vergara did in that matchup—it wasn’t just a flash in the pan. They paced the team in a way that felt sustainable. Vergara, with his sharp cuts and field vision, and Yusi, with that almost effortless shooting form—they complemented each other. I remember thinking, "This is what the offense has been missing." They didn’t just score; they lifted everyone around them. The defense tightened up, the ball movement improved, and for the first time all year, the Braves looked like a unit that believed it could win. I spoke with a couple of players off the record after that game, and the word they kept using was "identity." They’d found something—or maybe rediscovered it—and a big part of that came from those two setting the pace. It’s one thing to have talent. It’s another to translate it when the pressure’s on. And honestly? That’s what gets me excited about this year.

Now, I’m not saying all their problems are solved. Far from it. Depth in the secondary is still a concern—they gave up an average of 28 points per game last season, and that doesn’t fix itself overnight. The offensive line needs to be more consistent, especially in protecting the pocket. I noticed at least 12 sacks in the last three games alone, which is just too many. But here’s the thing: when you have players who can change the momentum of a game, it covers a lot of weaknesses. Yusi and Vergara aren’t just scorers; they’re leaders. I watched them during spring practices, and the way they communicate with younger players—it’s proactive. They’re not waiting for coaches to direct every move. That kind of initiative is contagious. If the Braves can build around that energy, especially in tight games, they’ll steal a few wins they probably shouldn’t. I’d even go so far as to say they could push for a .500 season if the defense improves by just 15%. Maybe that sounds optimistic, but I’ve seen crazier things happen.

So what’s the game plan moving forward? From my perspective, it starts with leveraging what already works. Yusi and Vergara need to be central to the offensive schemes, no question. But it can’t stop there. I’d love to see more creative play-calling—maybe some designed plays that get the ball into their hands in space. Screen passes, quick slants, anything that plays to their agility. Defensively, the focus has to be on generating turnovers. Last season, they only forced 9 takeaways total. That number has to at least double if they want to compete with the top teams in the conference. I also think the coaching staff should consider rotating players more strategically to keep legs fresh in the fourth quarter. Fatigue cost them at least two close games last year, in my opinion. Small adjustments, but sometimes that’s all it takes.

Looking ahead, this Cal football season isn’t just about rebuilding. It’s about redefining what this team is capable of. The shift from a single win to what could be a six or seven-win season isn’t just a statistical jump—it’s a cultural one. And it’s players like Ray Yusi and Shawn Vergara who make that kind of leap possible. They’ve already shown they can carry the load when it matters. Now it’s about the rest of the team stepping up around them. I’ll be watching closely, from the season opener right through to the final whistle. Because if there’s one thing I believe, it’s that this team has something to prove—not just to the fans, but to themselves. And in my experience, that’s when players—and teams—are at their most dangerous.