Cal Football Lands Top-5 Transfer TE Dorian Thomas in the Portal from New Mexico

The 2025 Mountain West All-Conference First Team transfer is headed to Berkeley after predictions had the TE landing at UCLA according to CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz

Jan 07, 2026

Tosh Lupoi knows the story, and he’s making sure the world does too. Bear territory is getting much more serious as Cal’s new head coach is attacking the transfer portal head-on, securing the fifth big-name transfer addition from the portal with the addition of New Mexico’s Dorian Thomas.

Dorian Thomas catching a TD against Michigan in Ann Arbor (via golobos.com)

A sophomore from Kent, Washington, Thomas began his career with the Arizona Wildcats, where he saw limited action in 4 games and collected no stats on special teams as a redshirt Freshman before transferring to the Lobos. At the University of New Mexico, Thomas was lights out, bringing in 56 receptions (3rd amongst TEs in FBS) for 560 yards and 4 TDs, averaging 10.0 yards per reception and 43.1 per game.

At 6-4, 239 lbs, Thomas brings size and an immediate impact to Lupoi and Somerville’s offensive scheme, and will likely take prioritized/shared snaps with/over Mason Mini, who announced his return to Cal after seeing limited playing time due to an injury, but also had 5 total touchdowns in his redshirt Sophomore season with the Bears.

Dorian Thomas vs Minnesota in the Rate Bowl (via Mark J. Rebilas)

Coming in as the No. 4 TE in the On3 Rivals transfer portal rankings and at the No. 5 spot on 24/7 Sports, Thomas’ predictions were set at 100% for his commitment to UCLA across both sites for the incoming R-Junior, but Tosh and the Bears staff got it done. CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported it first.

Thomas’ agency also released a statement this afternoon informing teams/fans that he would not be visiting Florida after making his visits to Cal and UCLA.