Cal Football Transfer: Michael Hurst Jr., Defensive Back from Northern Arizona
The California Golden Bears keep moving to gain experienced production, as they put out the Michigan schools for Hurst's commitment.
Even as Tosh Lupoi wound down his time at Oregon last night, he still had momentum on the recruiting trail to secure another commit. In comes defensive back Michael Hurst Jr. from the FCS ranks, who made his commitment.
Michigan State also showed interest in Hurst, who has one year of eligibity remaining. He’ll be looking to follow in the tradition of Marcus Harris, an FCS player who broke out at Cal and ended up an NFL Draft pick.
Hurst gives Cal two safeties from this class, as Kingston Lopa previously committed from Oregon. He started 10 games at safety and led the team in tackles with 65 (6.5 tackles for loss). He was in Portland State the previous three years, racking up 57 tackles and an interception in 2024. Hurst graded out well at PFF for his production in all categories, so he will definitely be battling with Lopa, Isaiah Crosby and Aiden Manutai to win a starting spot.
The Cal transfer profile is clear. Get players with production to fill out the depth chart for spring battles, and get athletes with upside to increase the athletic profile of the team.
Cal has landed a few more commits this morning. Stay tuned for more stories there…
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 Mykeal Rabess (via Florida International)
Offensive tackle Jacob Arop (via South Dakota)
Edge Solomon Williams (via Texas A&M)
Safety Kingston Lopa (via Oregon)
Safety Michael Hurst Jr. (via Northern Arizona)
We got a linebacker
https://x.com/i/status/2010050516966092954
Flurry of activity this morning! Welcome to Cal, new folks!
Hope always springs eternal with new arrivals. But I genuinely think we'll have recruited a team with very good potential. We won't know the effect of coaching until the season begins, but the staff does seem to have a specific recruitment strategy that targets guys likely to take a step forward.