Cal Football Transfer: Marquis Groves-Killebrew, Defensive Back From Arizona
The California Golden Bears need defensive back depth and they landed a nice talent from the Copper State.
Tosh Lupoi and the California Golden Bears continue their defensive-themed recruiting of the portal this week by nabbing a cornerback in Marquis Groves-Killebrew.
Slotted as a cornerback for most of his time in college, the 6-0, 179 pound prospect originally signed with Texas A&M as a high school All-American. He then transferred to Louisville for a year before ending up in Arizona in 2024. Groves-Killebrew appeared in 10 games that season, making 26 tackles, breaking up four passes, and logging a sack. In 2025, he appeared in seven games and made seven tackles as a reserve before being sidelined with an injury.
Cal is losing their starting corners in Hezekiah Masses and Brent Austin, and Ja’ir Smith is potentially waiting on the JUCO extra year waiver decision, so Groves-Killebrew is likely the first of several cornerback commits to restock Cal’s Takers profile as he will contend with Jae’on Young and Khamani Hudson to start next season. But expect more cornerback transfer news in the near future.
Here’s an updated look at Cal portal movement.
Returning Bears
Kicker Chase Meyer (withdrew from portal)
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)
Kicker Towns McGough (via Auburn)
Cal transfer portal departures
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)
Longsnapper Rino Monteforte (Kansas)
Can't complain about a DB with P4 experience! We'll let our coaches do their thing.