Cal Football: Jayden Wayne, Nate Burrell, Isaiah Crosby Announce Returns
Another flurry of Golden Bears are on their way back.
The California Golden Bears have seen a few more players announce their return after Mason Mini, Mark Hamper and Derek Wilkins said they were running it back. Here’s a look at a few of the notables.
Edge Jayden Wayne
Wayne, who transferred from Washington last year, basically became one of Cal’s starting edges by ACC play. Wayne played in all 13 games, began starting on either the right or left outside linebacker spot in ACC play, logging four sacks, 15 hurries, and 19 tackles. In the projected new scheme that will involve four down linemen, there will be more need for havoc on the outside than ever before.
Defensive lineman Nate Burrell
Burrell will be starting and finishing his college football journey at Cal. Burrell briefly dabbled with the transfer portal before Tosh Lupoi, Darrion Daniels and company locked him back up.
Burrell was in line to be a starter this senior season before an injury sidelined him in fall camp and forced a medical redshirt. With 7.5 tackles and 4.5 sacks logged in the previous two seasons, there is hope that his final campaign next season could be a memorable one.
Along with Wilkins returning, Cal is locking down the bulk of their defensive linemen. Some work is needed with the linebackers, but the Bears at least have a baseline upfront to work with.
Defensive back Isaiah Crosby
Crosby had a promising start to the season (22 tackles in four games) before an injury against San Diego State sidelined him and forced a medical redshirt. Crosby also had injury issues in 2024, so here’s hoping 2026 is the charm.
Cal is restocking across their defensive backfield in 2025.
Here are all the confirmed incoming and returning Bears.
Transfer portal arrivals
Running back Adam Mohammed (via Washington)
Wide receiver Ian Strong (via Rutgers)
Tight end Dorian Thomas (via New Mexico)
Offensive tackle Jacob Arop (via South Dakota)
Edge Solomon Williams (via Texas A&M)
Safety Kingston Lopa (via Oregon)
Returning Bears
Allow me to make your Friday:
- Cal is currently ranked #7 in the transfer portal
- Stanfurd is currently ranked #87 in the transfer portal.
Enough said. Happy Friday all.
Crosby, Burrell, and Wilkins are really solid retentions. Crosby was the best tackler in the secondary this year before he got injured. Burrell was a highly sought after four star recruit out of LA that had offers from multiple blue blood programs and who has been solid at Cal and would have started this year if not injured. Wilkins has improved and was the best on the line at batting balls down a valuable skill. Wayne has a ton of talent very highly ranked recruit and the body of adonis but doesn't produce on the field for whatever reason, it's like he has a slow motor. Maybe Tosh can help him improve his game.