Good write up Nick. Thanks. I will say some things here that I am sure will be unpopular. Harsin has a system. It's multiple but based on a physical running attack. He needs a good O-Line that can open holes and he needs RB's that will hit holes hard and get yardage every time.
He didn't chase off players because he's toxic, and I think that is a grossly unfair way to describe him based on some issues that happened at Auburn with a few disgruntled players. I think Ott and Jett left because their skill sets were different from what Harsin wants for his system. Those guys are both burners and can juke and pick up big chunks of yards, but neither of them are every down pound the rock type of runners. I watched a replay of the 2024 CAL/Stanfurd game last night on ACCN. Ott only gained 22 yards with a 1.7 average in that game and was stuffed quite a few times. Jet had 16 yards with a 3 average. Certainly our O-Line sucked but against a 3 win Stanfurd team I would have expected more.
I think our offense will be much improved with the O-Line with a new O-line coach and an addition of new talent. This should change all parts of our game. Our RB room isn't as exciting as it once was, but I expect the new guys will be physical ballers, more focused on first down yardage than big breakaways. I think our receiving core will hurt from the loss of guys like Hunter and Brady, but I'm hoping the new guys can pick up the slack. TE is another area of concern for me. Endries knew how to get open. My hope is that every year in college ball, new stars emerge. I'm hoping to see a few new ones on the CAL offense.
I'll wrap up with QB observations. We will only go as far as our QB's can take us. Brown has the inside track to start because of his experience, but I am worried he never was promoted at OSU because he never really played to what was thought to be his potential. JKS is the real deal, but has no college game experience. I think JKS has much better talent than Brown and in the long run will be a star, but we will have some first year growing pains with him. Not sure who will end up being the season starter. If Brown wins consistently then he will keep the role. If not JKS will get time to gain experience.
We could have a fun year or very frustrating year. It will come down to QB play.
"We could have a fun year or very frustrating year." Probably some of both. Defense and special teams is going to read a lot like this as well.
No one, even Coach Wilcox, has ANY idea what will happen on August 30 in the opener in Corvallis. Nor will what is seen then necessarily have much of anything to do with what Cal will look like in October.
I have been working on, these past decades of seasons, successfully and more consistently welding both fun and frustration. Like JW, and as my own HC, I need to get better this season.
If Brown was an incipient superstar, Ohio State wouldn’t have kept pulling guys out of the portal to start instead of him. However, he did remain the number two guy, at The Ohio State University, so he’s got to be pretty good. We shall see soon. Like you, I believe everything on offense will flow from improved line play.
I like your takes, I only disagree with Jet. He was my #2 I wanted to keep, after Cade.
I think his burst off the handoff and ability to get north-south and maximize yards was overshadowed by his top end speed, and he plays more physical than his size. Would be a great fit in any offense. Plus the local connection.. sigh. That had the makings of being a great Cal Bear.
Ott - yeah, he ran his course at Cal... If he never got injured and things went well he would be playing on Sundays this year. It's a shame he left the way he did though, and continues to throw a little shade at Cal. I'll take Jahvid Best over him any day.
RB committee - I like the physicality we picked up in the portal that could work for the type of system you mentioned. I'm all in on Wiley if he's healthy. Dude showed beast-flashes as a true freshman.
QB -- Mendoza - whatever. I think Brown will be able to produce at the same level. Probably no JKS without him leaving either, for whatever that will be worth -- it's a investment with great potential upside but only time will tell..
Receivers - bummer on the young guys leaving who showed out last year. Hopefully the system that Harsin implements and play calling will make this unit successful and someone will emerge as a nice surprise.
TE - Not sure about the system or how it incorporates them. Endries was fantastic but he was getting beat the hell up as our only outlet valve. Good for him for making the move and getting paid.
Hoo boy....what do I do with my sunshine here? In past years I pumped it towards the hope of what various returning players and coaches bought to the table, along with the potential of the newcomers. Now...a bit lost. But wait, so you're saying there is hope, right? I'm all in! This will be the year where the absence of the ability to set expectations will result in us exceeding them. Glorious!!! GO BEARS FOREVER!!!
Nick, this was a brutal column to read, but not your fault :-) The 2025 GBs are like a young Bob Dylan - a complete unknown. So little FBS experience across the board, and the exodus after spring practice means no cohesion until fall practice. Impossible to predict a W/L record at this point in time. I'm holding my breath until the start of the O State game. Go Bears!
Not going to say names but let’s just say that it’s someone within the program - but what I heard was not definitive either. Just gave me a strong sense that’s all.
I'm guessing all things relatively equal -- and there's honestly no reason to believe anyone is decidedly better than each other after spring camp, Devin Brown doesn't even have the benefit of experience -- you just go with the younger guy with the high ceiling.
On QB decision, with guys transferring every year can you confidently take the option of “play the younger guy to give him experience so he will be good for us next year”? You may well play him, see him develop, and the transfer for more NIL money somewhere else…
Listening, as I type, to SplitZoneDuo podcast and their ACC preview. After about it got to Cal. They mentioned and chatted about Nick's recent article...much praise to Nick also, about his unique insight into JW tenure and future.
DB started the 2023 Cotton Bowl between OSU and Mizzou but was injured in the middle of the 2nd quarter. So he had a couple weeks of reps with the 1's and starter prep for one game.
This was easily one of the worst games OSU has played in recent memory but not much of that is on DB. He did get sacked 3 times though which showed some inexperience.
The season that could have been. Last night the ACC network showed Cal games from last year. Mendoza throwing to Endries, Thomas and Ott breaking runs down the field.Hunter catching td passes. Those players were all under class men and should be ready to go this year at CAL! Instead, they all transferred out. Do I need to say more? There is something seriously wrong with Wilcox and his staff. How can you let that happen? What Cal looks like on paper this year looks to be a disaster in the making. This has to be the last straw for Wilcox, he has done zero to give anyone confidence that he can be anything better than a .500 coach at best. I hope I’m wrong, but this season looks to be the worst of the worst, at least on paper. Man, I wanted to see Mendoza throw to Jack, I also was hoping for another year of Ott, healthy. The season that could have been, now up in smoke.
You're a few months late on this observation... Cal has since hired Rivera as GM and the position coaches are doing a great job recruiting. Certainly, question marks abound on the current roster. Note, however, that we had all of those guys last year and still had a losing record. I'll take an improved OL and DL any day over a bunch of pre-Madonna skill players.
Thanks much, Nick. Hard to argue any of this. It's one of the things I like most about your writing is that it is so darn reasonable. I appreciate that, as I tend to be sunshine pumpy. I'll be at that first OSU game and anything other than a 14+ point comfortable win and I'll be very concerned.
I saw that, by seven, right? But really who knows until they play the game. I have always liked the Beavers and Bears games, am looking forward to this one too.
“Harley is the only player on the roster who has taken snaps at center, so he’s bar far the most likely of the group to make the lineup by dint of his experience in the middle of the line.” Incorrect: Swinney started two games at center last year.
Cal fans: Quick question: Why does Jaydn Ott seem to hate us so much? He had three good years as our starting tailback and then, as if someone flipped a switch, he is making statements like "they don't want to win." Is Harsin that toxic or am I missing something? Yours truly, Confused Bear.
I'm viewing it like he is on a fan-push for OK backing. OK wants it more, OK more professional, all things the OK coaches, fellow players and fans will eat up. He is doing a good job showing himself to be a Sooner. He needs all three of those constituencies to be backing him, hard, for a successful season.
I'll say one thing; Endries was way classier when he explained why he left. In an interview, he made a point of saying that there were no hard feelings, he had finished his degree and if he makes it to the NFL, he will say that he graduated from Cal, not Texas. He also said that the one opportunity that Texas can give him that Cal can't is playing for a national championship (no arguments about that). I'm probably bitter but Endries seems more NFL ready than Ott.
The way he "pussy footed" after he got the handoff, especially into assigned holes, I'm thinking he won't even be a starter for Oklahoma. The loss we really will feel is from the "Jett" Thomas.
I'll be interested in watching OU vs Auburn this year to see how Ott fares in his final attempt against them. They focused entirely on stopping him the first game and roughed him up, then he was injured (sigh) last year.
What do you think is more predictive of future production at the power conference level? Proven starter-level on-field production at the small school level, or rotational production at the power conference level?
I think the former. Look at all the WR transfers from Ohio State, Notre Dame, Illinois and Utah last year. They did nothing. We also had highly talented RB transfers from Oregon and Tennessee and they didn't see the field.
Solid analysis like usual. I particularly like the introspective questions. I am with others; the offensive line is the key. We need to open up some holes and give our QB time to throw. We must hope that the skill players produce and Harsin's system works. However, I think with our improved line, our running backs can gain at least 3 yards per carry and get the 4th and 1 that we never seem to be able to get. We can do this roll on you BEARS!
Good write up Nick. Thanks. I will say some things here that I am sure will be unpopular. Harsin has a system. It's multiple but based on a physical running attack. He needs a good O-Line that can open holes and he needs RB's that will hit holes hard and get yardage every time.
He didn't chase off players because he's toxic, and I think that is a grossly unfair way to describe him based on some issues that happened at Auburn with a few disgruntled players. I think Ott and Jett left because their skill sets were different from what Harsin wants for his system. Those guys are both burners and can juke and pick up big chunks of yards, but neither of them are every down pound the rock type of runners. I watched a replay of the 2024 CAL/Stanfurd game last night on ACCN. Ott only gained 22 yards with a 1.7 average in that game and was stuffed quite a few times. Jet had 16 yards with a 3 average. Certainly our O-Line sucked but against a 3 win Stanfurd team I would have expected more.
I think our offense will be much improved with the O-Line with a new O-line coach and an addition of new talent. This should change all parts of our game. Our RB room isn't as exciting as it once was, but I expect the new guys will be physical ballers, more focused on first down yardage than big breakaways. I think our receiving core will hurt from the loss of guys like Hunter and Brady, but I'm hoping the new guys can pick up the slack. TE is another area of concern for me. Endries knew how to get open. My hope is that every year in college ball, new stars emerge. I'm hoping to see a few new ones on the CAL offense.
I'll wrap up with QB observations. We will only go as far as our QB's can take us. Brown has the inside track to start because of his experience, but I am worried he never was promoted at OSU because he never really played to what was thought to be his potential. JKS is the real deal, but has no college game experience. I think JKS has much better talent than Brown and in the long run will be a star, but we will have some first year growing pains with him. Not sure who will end up being the season starter. If Brown wins consistently then he will keep the role. If not JKS will get time to gain experience.
We could have a fun year or very frustrating year. It will come down to QB play.
"We could have a fun year or very frustrating year." Probably some of both. Defense and special teams is going to read a lot like this as well.
No one, even Coach Wilcox, has ANY idea what will happen on August 30 in the opener in Corvallis. Nor will what is seen then necessarily have much of anything to do with what Cal will look like in October.
But it should be interesting!
Yep. And it always is interesting for a bit.
I have been working on, these past decades of seasons, successfully and more consistently welding both fun and frustration. Like JW, and as my own HC, I need to get better this season.
"Joe Burrow", similar story. Can Devin Brown be the next Joe Burrow? Fingers crossed.
Joe Burrow was actually 4th string at OSU at one point
Wouldn't that be something?
If Brown was an incipient superstar, Ohio State wouldn’t have kept pulling guys out of the portal to start instead of him. However, he did remain the number two guy, at The Ohio State University, so he’s got to be pretty good. We shall see soon. Like you, I believe everything on offense will flow from improved line play.
Thank you Napabear for teaching me new words, even as a long in the tooth Golden Bear. Only from a fellow Berkeley grad! (incipient) :))
I appreciate all of your football wisdom, so it’s nice to see that you can get something back from me.
nailed it Rugger
It will also come down to O line play on Offense and ILB and DB play on Defense.
I like your takes, I only disagree with Jet. He was my #2 I wanted to keep, after Cade.
I think his burst off the handoff and ability to get north-south and maximize yards was overshadowed by his top end speed, and he plays more physical than his size. Would be a great fit in any offense. Plus the local connection.. sigh. That had the makings of being a great Cal Bear.
Ott - yeah, he ran his course at Cal... If he never got injured and things went well he would be playing on Sundays this year. It's a shame he left the way he did though, and continues to throw a little shade at Cal. I'll take Jahvid Best over him any day.
RB committee - I like the physicality we picked up in the portal that could work for the type of system you mentioned. I'm all in on Wiley if he's healthy. Dude showed beast-flashes as a true freshman.
QB -- Mendoza - whatever. I think Brown will be able to produce at the same level. Probably no JKS without him leaving either, for whatever that will be worth -- it's a investment with great potential upside but only time will tell..
Receivers - bummer on the young guys leaving who showed out last year. Hopefully the system that Harsin implements and play calling will make this unit successful and someone will emerge as a nice surprise.
TE - Not sure about the system or how it incorporates them. Endries was fantastic but he was getting beat the hell up as our only outlet valve. Good for him for making the move and getting paid.
Hoo boy....what do I do with my sunshine here? In past years I pumped it towards the hope of what various returning players and coaches bought to the table, along with the potential of the newcomers. Now...a bit lost. But wait, so you're saying there is hope, right? I'm all in! This will be the year where the absence of the ability to set expectations will result in us exceeding them. Glorious!!! GO BEARS FOREVER!!!
GO BEARS! Whomsoever you are in the Blue n Gold!
Thanks Nick!
Nick, this was a brutal column to read, but not your fault :-) The 2025 GBs are like a young Bob Dylan - a complete unknown. So little FBS experience across the board, and the exodus after spring practice means no cohesion until fall practice. Impossible to predict a W/L record at this point in time. I'm holding my breath until the start of the O State game. Go Bears!
for the love of god please don't lose any games by just 1 point
And for the love of god somebody make a damn field goal.
Gary is that you?
Or two or three or even four.
My guess is that JKS will be the starter based on what I’ve heard so far.
I hope so, otherwise portal city. (probably portal city regardless.)
Heard from who? Interesting comment but curious who (without names)
Not going to say names but let’s just say that it’s someone within the program - but what I heard was not definitive either. Just gave me a strong sense that’s all.
I'm guessing all things relatively equal -- and there's honestly no reason to believe anyone is decidedly better than each other after spring camp, Devin Brown doesn't even have the benefit of experience -- you just go with the younger guy with the high ceiling.
On QB decision, with guys transferring every year can you confidently take the option of “play the younger guy to give him experience so he will be good for us next year”? You may well play him, see him develop, and the transfer for more NIL money somewhere else…
And if you don't play him, he will still transfer looking for playing time.
Listening, as I type, to SplitZoneDuo podcast and their ACC preview. After about it got to Cal. They mentioned and chatted about Nick's recent article...much praise to Nick also, about his unique insight into JW tenure and future.
DB started the 2023 Cotton Bowl between OSU and Mizzou but was injured in the middle of the 2nd quarter. So he had a couple weeks of reps with the 1's and starter prep for one game.
This was easily one of the worst games OSU has played in recent memory but not much of that is on DB. He did get sacked 3 times though which showed some inexperience.
The season that could have been. Last night the ACC network showed Cal games from last year. Mendoza throwing to Endries, Thomas and Ott breaking runs down the field.Hunter catching td passes. Those players were all under class men and should be ready to go this year at CAL! Instead, they all transferred out. Do I need to say more? There is something seriously wrong with Wilcox and his staff. How can you let that happen? What Cal looks like on paper this year looks to be a disaster in the making. This has to be the last straw for Wilcox, he has done zero to give anyone confidence that he can be anything better than a .500 coach at best. I hope I’m wrong, but this season looks to be the worst of the worst, at least on paper. Man, I wanted to see Mendoza throw to Jack, I also was hoping for another year of Ott, healthy. The season that could have been, now up in smoke.
You're a few months late on this observation... Cal has since hired Rivera as GM and the position coaches are doing a great job recruiting. Certainly, question marks abound on the current roster. Note, however, that we had all of those guys last year and still had a losing record. I'll take an improved OL and DL any day over a bunch of pre-Madonna skill players.
They probably portaled out for more money that Cal couldn't pay and to play in a bigger exposure conference.
Thanks much, Nick. Hard to argue any of this. It's one of the things I like most about your writing is that it is so darn reasonable. I appreciate that, as I tend to be sunshine pumpy. I'll be at that first OSU game and anything other than a 14+ point comfortable win and I'll be very concerned.
See you there buddy. We will see firsthand how all this change plays out. Go bears!
FWIW, the Beavers are favored. I’ll be there too. Gob Ears!
Cal beat OSU 44-7 last year. Could they really that much better and Cal that much worse? Looking forward to the season opener.
I saw that, by seven, right? But really who knows until they play the game. I have always liked the Beavers and Bears games, am looking forward to this one too.
“Harley is the only player on the roster who has taken snaps at center, so he’s bar far the most likely of the group to make the lineup by dint of his experience in the middle of the line.” Incorrect: Swinney started two games at center last year.
Good catch, edited the article
Cal fans: Quick question: Why does Jaydn Ott seem to hate us so much? He had three good years as our starting tailback and then, as if someone flipped a switch, he is making statements like "they don't want to win." Is Harsin that toxic or am I missing something? Yours truly, Confused Bear.
No idea but kind of don’t care much. It’s a shame but not going to lose sleep over it. We just need to win.
I'm viewing it like he is on a fan-push for OK backing. OK wants it more, OK more professional, all things the OK coaches, fellow players and fans will eat up. He is doing a good job showing himself to be a Sooner. He needs all three of those constituencies to be backing him, hard, for a successful season.
Yeah, him throwing red meat quotes to his current fan base is definitely part of his thing, which was way more fun when WE were his fan base.
I'll say one thing; Endries was way classier when he explained why he left. In an interview, he made a point of saying that there were no hard feelings, he had finished his degree and if he makes it to the NFL, he will say that he graduated from Cal, not Texas. He also said that the one opportunity that Texas can give him that Cal can't is playing for a national championship (no arguments about that). I'm probably bitter but Endries seems more NFL ready than Ott.
The way he "pussy footed" after he got the handoff, especially into assigned holes, I'm thinking he won't even be a starter for Oklahoma. The loss we really will feel is from the "Jett" Thomas.
I'll be interested in watching OU vs Auburn this year to see how Ott fares in his final attempt against them. They focused entirely on stopping him the first game and roughed him up, then he was injured (sigh) last year.
excellent comparison watching- just put that 9/20 game on my calendar.
What do you think is more predictive of future production at the power conference level? Proven starter-level on-field production at the small school level, or rotational production at the power conference level?
I think the former. Look at all the WR transfers from Ohio State, Notre Dame, Illinois and Utah last year. They did nothing. We also had highly talented RB transfers from Oregon and Tennessee and they didn't see the field.
I am with you - proven starter.
Solid analysis like usual. I particularly like the introspective questions. I am with others; the offensive line is the key. We need to open up some holes and give our QB time to throw. We must hope that the skill players produce and Harsin's system works. However, I think with our improved line, our running backs can gain at least 3 yards per carry and get the 4th and 1 that we never seem to be able to get. We can do this roll on you BEARS!
I heard Grayes recently announced on X that he has been diagnosed with bone cancer. Anyone able to corroborate?