Backup Quarterback EJ Caminong Enters Transfer Portal
Three California Golden Bears will enter the transfer portal.
There is always expected turnover on the way with a new coaching regime. Here are the early transfer portal entries.
Quarterback EJ Caminong
With Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele announcing his return to the California Golden Bears 24 hours after the arrival of Tosh Lupoi to Berkeley, it’s clear Cal has their plan in place at starting quarterback for the foreseeable future. Caminong’s departure felt inevitable after that, and he’ll look for a place to play next season.
Caminong only saw major action in last year’s Los Angeles Bowl, playing in the second half of a 24-13 loss to UNLV. EJ will finish up bowl practices with the team and make the trip to the Hawaii Bowl.
Linebacker Curlee Thomas
Thomas will be moving on as a graduate transfer, as he will earn his degree from UC Berkeley before moving forward for his final year of eligibility elsewhere.
Thomas could never really break into the linebacker rotation in his time at Cal, logging two tackles in 2025 and five tackles through his career here, as he spent most of his time with special teams.
Linebacker Buom Jock
Another linebacker moving on is one of Cal’s top transfer portal commits from last year via Colorado State.
Jock also didn’t really make a dent in the linebacker rotation and only logged four games played. Best of luck to wherever he ends up next.
The transfer portal officially opens on January 2. This is the calm before the storm.
Incoming freshman QB, Nainoa Lopes, has been getting rave reviews about his readiness to play college ball. So, perhaps EJ saw the writing on the wall, so to speak. Wish him well. Go Bears!!
"This is the calm before the storm." Prepare for the worst; hope for the best.