Cal football depth chart released: No starting QB for UC Davis announced

Well, yes, someone will start. But we don't know!

Credit: Cal Football

As you’d expect, the headliner from the release of the Cal depth chart for UC Davis is … no headline! The starting quarterback battle is still uncertain and we will be on our toes until kickoff. (If you haven’t seen Thomas’s predictions, go here and see how they compare!).

Let’s run through it position by position.

• Quarterback: Fernando Mendoza and Chandler Rogers are listed as co-starters. Both QBs have been running fairly even in fall camp, with Mendoza looking better in some practices and Rogers looking better in others. It wouldn’t be surprising to see both against UC Davis.

• Running Back: Jaydn Ott starts, with Jaivian Thomas and Kardarius Calloway tied up at the two spot. and Byron Cardwell all listed as potential backups. Each had moments of prominence in camp, and all are likely to get opportunities.

• Wide Receiver: The receiver lineup is as fluid as it’s ever been. Jonathan Brady, who spent considerable time with the first unit during the fall, slots behind Kyion Grayes on the outside. The slot looks like a war in the making with Mavin Anderson and Trond Grizzell listed as options, as Mikey Matthews and Josiah Martin missed much of camp—although they are also slot options. So many options! Nyziah Hunter jumping up to the twos is something to keep an eye on.

• Tight end: Jack Endries seems secure as the starter at TE, with Corey Dyches likely to play often.

• Offensive line: The early injury in camp to Sioape Vatikani hasn’t impacted his place on the depth chart at right guard, but don’t be surprised if you see Braden Miller, Bastian Swinney, Matthew Wykoff or Trent Ramsey get a spin if he’s not 100%. Transfer Will McDonald appears to have won the hotly competed job at center, but I suspect Wykoff will see playing time somewhere. Nick Morrow seemed secure at left tackle but Victor Stoffel appears to offer a stiff challenge. This will be an ongoing battle to watch.

• Defensive tackle: Less surprising here is Wisconsin transfer TJ Bollers and Notre Dame transfer Aidan Keanaaina entering the two deep along with Nate Burrell and Ricky Correia. This is a lot of talent upfront to plug gaps, perhaps the most in a half-decade. Stanley Saole-Mckenzie aren’t bad third options either.

• Outside linebacker: David Reese and Xavier Carlton are locked in at starter, with very capable transfer backups Cheikhsaliou Fall, Myles Williams and Ryan McCulloch in reserve, and Serigne Tounkara lurking. Very intriguing unit with high bands on their ability.

• Inside linebacker: Expect the starting two Cade Uluave and Teddye Buchanan to take the bulk of the snaps, with maybe some Hunter Barth and Aaron Hampton tossed in. This is a very thin unit, but the top two options are at least proven to be among the best defenders we have.

• Cornerback: As was long expected, Marcus Harris has claimed one of the two starting jobs alongside Nohl Williams. But there should be plenty of opportunity for Lu-Magia Hearns, Ja’ir Smith and Collin Gamble to get on the field.

• Safety: Craig Woodson and Miles Williams are the initial starters, but behind them loom Isaiah Crosby, Ryan Yaites and Cam Sidney, who are all capable of putting up numbers. As always, the Takers seem fairly deep, and capable of weathering any setbacks.

• Kicking: No big surprises: Transfer Ryan Coe is looking like a huge upgrade in terms of placekicking and kickoffs, and returning punter Lachlan Wilson is expected to boom it out.

• Returners: There’s a four person battle in play! Mikey Matthews seemed slated to be top returner, but injury probably pushed him back to the pack. Jonathan Brady, Marcus Harris and Nohl Williams have stepped up to fill the gaps. Hopefully we see fewer fair catches!

All in all, there are no big gaps, except for the big one at quarterback. There are some question marks at offensive line and inside linebacker, but this feels like a fairly complete unit compared to past Golden Bear incarnations.

Cal fans, what are your thoughts on this depth chart?