Cal Football 2025 Preview: Wide Receivers
A mix of returners and new faces present an intriguing group for Kyle Cefalo
Cal’s Wide Receiver group in recent years felt like the group that had some of the most untapped potential. From blocking in the screen game to breakneck speed, the group as a whole was close to putting everything together but ultimately never did. Coach Burl Toler III moved on after the season and in came Kyle Cefalo from Utah State. Cefalo is coming off one of his former Aggies getting drafted, with Jalen Royals going to the Chiefs in the 4th round.
Trond Grizzell returns as the veteran and leader of the group and will start for the Bears this season. One of the only other returners is Kyion Grayes II, the former Ohio State Buckeye alongside Devin Brown who is still looking to put every piece of the puzzle together. However, if he does, that’s a game changer. Lastly, there’s a good group of transfers along with up and comers who are looking to make their names heard like Jacob De Jesus, Mark Hamper, and Trevor Rogers.
Returning Production
Trond Grizzell
In this day and age of college athletics, this is a familiar sight. Trond is the only returner who meaningfully contributed last season in the stats column and saw the field consistently as a whole. The former walk on continued his streak of great performances in the Big Game with back to back efforts as the leading receiver.
Trond has proven himself as someone who can get open in the middle of a zone, has reliable hands when targeted, and has a good clutch factor. When looking at what needs to come together as he closes his career with the Bears, its about creating separation when lined up on the outside and consistently making blocks in the screen and run game. If Jaron Keawe-Sagapolutele or Devin Brown succeed at a high level, Trond Grizzell will be a likely beneficiary in 2025.
Returners looking to break through
Kyion Grayes II, Jordan King, Trevor Rogers, Isaac Torres, Cole Boscia, Myles Reber, Jaiven Plummer, Carson Perry Smith
Its a bit of a mixed bag for those looking to step further into the Cal offense this year. There are veterans still in search of their big break like Jordan King and Cole Boscia, youngsters who are hoping to realize their potential in Trevor Rogers and Jaiven Plummer, along with someone who fans want to break out in Kyion Grayes II.
As mentioned above, if Grayes is healthy, he will play. His first step and short route running ability are immediate characteristics to like although I do wonder what separates him down the field depending on how quarterbacks target him as we just haven’t seen it. I’d look at Trevor Rogers, Cole Boscia, and Jordan King as homegrown talents who are primed to take the next step, both in terms of breaking into the rotation but also meaningfully contribute. Rogers has good hands, Boscia has veteran savviness, and King has been one of the better performers across spring and fall camp.
Newcomers looking to slot in
Transfers: Jacob De Jesus, Mark Hamper, Quaron Adams, Dazmin James, Jayden Dixon Veal
Freshman: Meyer Swinney
The immediate draw of the transfer class at wide receiver is Jacob De Jesus. The Manteca native is as versatile as they come, adding an element in the sweep and punt return game. For those who are unfamiliar with De Jesus, he was a part of the UNLV team that upended Cal in the LA Bowl last year, notably taking a punt return into the red zone.
A lot of speed encapsulates the rest of the transfers. Quaron Adams and Dazmin James each had ridiculous moments last year at their respective schools where they got behind the defense and put together high yards per catch numbers. For the rest of these guys, its all about consistency and the ability to be versatile when the snaps aren’t there.
Mark Hamper is someone who can make noise for the Bears this season. He’s coming off a season at Idaho where he racked up 49 receptions for 961 yards and six touchdowns. Hamper made a brief stop at Wisconsin before re-entering the transfer portal and has ample opportunity to see the field.
All in all, its an interesting group for Kyle Cefalo. There isn’t necessarily a big and tall, go get the ball type receiver on this team but a lot of guys who have good route running ability and good hands. Cefalo has already proven that he can put guys into the league and Justin Wilcox is betting that he will do more of the same in Berkeley.
Could be some exciting vertical pass plays this season. I do hope Trond has a good year, he had some great catches last season.
I’m very optimistic about this wide receiver group—especially the edge their speed brings. DeJesus is already a proven star, and several others have shown tremendous upside. Take Daz, for example: he had a breakout performance in Arkansas’s bowl game—and that was before he transformed his body.