Cal Offensive Linemen Bastian Swinney, Frederick Williams Announce Return
The California Golden Bears do get some welcome returns at positions that they definitely need player talent.
The Cal offensive line lost some significant depth this year to the transfer portal. So it’ll be helpful to return projected starting center Bastian Swinney into the fold.
Swinney registered 316 snaps this year, starting the final four games. He was injured for most of 2025, returning only against Louisville in November. His return does provide some comfort.
Also returning is offensive tackle Frederick Williams. Williams started at left tackle for most of 2025, starting six games and playing 472 snaps, as he rotated often with Nick Morrow at the position.
This gives the Bears two critical returners at positions where restocking might be needed. Several offensive linemen have departed, including four Bears with significant snaps and starting experience (Jordan Spasojevic-Moko, Leon Bell, Braden Miller, and Nick Morrow). If Cal can retain Tyson Ruffins, Sioape Vatikani and Lamar Robinson, that should at least give them a core nucleus they can build around incoming portal arrivals like Jimothy Lewis, Mykeal Rabess, and Jacob Arop.
Returning Bears
Cal transfer portal arrivals
Running back Adam Mohammed (via Washington)
Running back Carter Vargas (via UC Davis)
Running back Ashten Emory (via UTEP)
Wide receiver Ian Strong (via Rutgers)
Wide receiver Chase Hendricks (via Ohio)
Tight end Dorian Thomas (via New Mexico)
Offensive lineman Jimothy Lewis (via Mississippi State)
Offensive lineman Mykeal Rabess (via Florida International)
Offensive tackle Jacob Arop (via South Dakota)
Defensive lineman Justin Beadles (via Louisville)
Defensive lineman Ashun Shepphard (via Mississippi State)
Edge Solomon Williams (via Texas A&M)
Linebacker Tristan Jernigan (via Texas A&M)
Safety Kingston Lopa (via Oregon)
Safety Michael Hurst Jr. (via Northern Arizona)
Cal transfer portal departures
Linebacker Cade Uluave (BYU)
Linebacker Luke Ferrelli (Clemson)
Linebacker Curlee Thomas (North Texas)
Defensive lineman TJ Bush (Minnesota)
Edge Ryan McCulloch (UCLA)
Running back Brandon High (UTSA)
Offensive lineman Nick Morrow (Kansas)
Kicker Abram Murray
Kicker Chase Meyer
Punter Michael Kern
Longsnapper Rino Monteforte (Kansas)
Cal has had arguably THE worst P4 O-line for back-to-back seasons, spanning 2 different OL coaches and OCs…they’ve turned over much of the personnel and added some big bodies to to go along with these returners and some underclassmen they like.
Getting better production from the trenches is essential to winning 8-9+ games in 2026, so this should be interesting…
Here's hoping Anae and Talamaivao can get the most out of these folks! I don't know if Anae's return has been formally announced but he's been recruiting.
I know we had OL issues but here's hoping that the mix of experience, coaching, and new faces will keep JKS safe and happy. We do have real size and talent, and we also have McMorris arriving from the HS ranks.
I feel as optimistic with the line as I have in a while.