Cal Football 2025 Preview: Defensive Backs

Looking for

It’s harder to manufacture August hope across this sport, with the rate of retention being what it is, but there are some rooms in some buildings that somehow remain consistent. The Cal Defensive Backs room is one of those rooms. The Takers became the No Fly Zone, and this group is actively working to make a name for themselves in their wake. Speaking with transfers, the previous success of the room—especially on the subject of minting Sunday Players—was the prime motivation to come to Cal. Many of the transfers are originally from California, some have ties to the coaching staff from previous recruiting overtures, but it is clear these young men are majoring in football and hope to show the degree on the field.

Photo Credit: Cal Athletics (Cal Football on X)

This room is a mystery box, with a lot of new players, but after hearing Coach Wilcox speak on Monday, there is more certainty here than at other positions. Success cannot be contingent on continuity in a semi-professional sport with two transfer windows, and there will be more years like this whether the program is trending up or down, so it’s best to soldier forward. Despite the floor and ceiling of this group being unclear, Cal has been here before and it’s been alright.

(Presumed) First Team

S Aiden Manutai (Fr)

S Isiah Crosby (Sr)

CB Hezekiah Masses (Sr)

CB Brent Austin (Jr)

Nickel Cameron Sidney (Jr)

Brent Austin has been a standout all of Fall Camp, and is a clear starter at corner. Freshman Aiden Manutai has reportedly looked great, and plays well with Cameron Sidney. The Nickel is likely his position to lose, as he has logged so much time in this defense, comparatively, and has been a consistent player. Manutai was a top regional prospect from Kahuku, Hawaii, he’s shown the ability to play one on one but caught eyes as a route jumping interception machine during his High School career. Hezekiah Masses has been performing as expected and will start at corner alongside Austin, same for Isiah Crosby.

(Presumed) Second Team

S Dru Polidore (Sr)

S Tristan Dunn (Jr)

CB Jae’on Young (Fr)

CB Khamani Hudson (So)

Nickel Jasiah Wagoneer (Jr)

Jasiah Wagoneer has been generating some noise, it’s just that he's behind Cameron Sidney. There’s a good possibility they both take snaps this year, there are worse problems. Dru Polidore has reportedly been doing his thing, and will see regular snaps. Khamani Hudson is a fun player, a two way playmaker in High School at corner and wideout, he did not see the field in last year’s crowded DB room. I would not be surprised if he sees many more snaps this year. Tristan Dunn is a potentially interesting player, the 6’5” safety spent the past two seasons at Washington, where he didn’t see the most playing time, but did show up in big moments, including two tackles in a Sugar Bowl against a very good Texas squad, Wilcox mentioned his strong camp on Monday. Jae’on Young is a four star freshman out of Sierra Canyon high school, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him come on as the season progresses.

(Presumed) Third Team

S Dayton Aupiu (Fr)

S Jordan Sanford (Jr)

CB Kaden Cook (So)

CB Jair Smith (Sr)

Nickel Quimari Shemwell (Fr)

There’s less in the air around these third team names, but there’s so much turnover that competition seems to be the only guarantee in a position that sees more down to down rotation than others. Safety in particular is a question mark. Texas Tech transfer Jordan Sanford saw a good deal of playing time on special teams last year, and will be an additive presence, he was also called out by Wilcox for having a strong camp. If we factor in Coach So’oto’s words from last week, and we should, I would watch for who is closing out plays with violence as the players to count on getting those first snaps. Quimari Shemwell is an exciting speedster who could potentially make an impact if development remains on course, only catch is he finds himself behind Wagoneer and Sidney competing for Nickel.

Editor’s note: Article was written prior to the release of the Game Week Depth Chart.

Editor’s note: Article was written prior to the release of the Game Week Depth Chart