Cal Football Secures Return of TE Mason Mini, WR Mark Hamper, DL Derek Wilkins
The California Golden Bears at least know they will have a few returning starters coming back.
Cal has suffered a few dozen departures in the transfer portal. So it’s time for some good news! Here are some Cal Bears who have announced their return.
Tight end Mason Mini
Mini filled in superbly after the departure of Jack Endries, pulling in 35 receptions for 387 yards and four touchdowns. He’s best known for catching four passes for 70 yards and a game-winning touchdown from Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele in Boston College.
Defensive lineman Derek Wilkins
Cal got a welcome return from Wilkins, who found his calling in pass defense, where he led the ACC among all defensive linemen with eight pass deflections. Wilkins logged two starts this season and has played in 33 games the past three years. With a few losses along the defensive line, it’s good to see Wilkins come back.
Wide receiver Mark Hamper
Hamper grabbed 17 catches for 202 yards this year, started 2025 strong with 13 catches in the first four games, but injuries seemed to plague him the rest of his season and he missed the final three games. Here’s a few
Returning Bears
Tight end Mason Mini
Defensive lineman Derek Wilkins
Wide receiver Mark Hamper
Transfers
Linebackers: Cade Uluave, Harrison Taggart, Luke Ferrelli, Eze Osondu, Buom Jock
Edges: TJ Bush, Ryan McCulloch
Defensive lineman: Nate Burrell, Ike Okafor
Defensive back: Cam Sidney, Kaden Cook
Running backs: Kendrick Raphael, Brandon High
Offensive linemen: Lajuan Owens, Nick Morrow, Leon Bell, Barrett Miller, Daveion Harley
Kicker: Abram Murray
Punter: Michael Kern
Quarterback: Devin Brown, Belay Brummel
Wide receiver: Dazmin James
Adam Mohammed, RB from Washington, is a Golden Bear!
. . . do we have to take Hamper back?