How did the 2023 Cal transfer portal class turn out?

Did the California Golden Bears get a significant boost from their new contributors?

Credit Cal Football

As we mentioned on Monday, Cal had a great 2024 transfer portal class! But it’s important to note that the 2023 transfer class enjoyed a similar ranking

How did 2023 transfers perform? Let's take a look at both sides of the coin.

The great

• San Diego State transfer defensive back Patrick McMorris came in and immediately won a starting spot at safety, starting all 13 games, amassing 90 tackles, and managing multiple sacks and forced fumbles. McMorris became Cal’s only 2024 draft pick as a result of his efforts.

• Just a reliable was UNLV transfer cornerback Nohl Williams, who like McMorris provided a reliable presence that racked up tackles. Williams started all 13 games as well, and piled up 53 tackles.

• Both offensive linemen transfers in guard Matthew Wykoff (Texas A&M) and tackle Barrett Miller (Stanford) came in, started all but one game combined, and elevated a poor 2022 Cal offensive line to average/mediocre performance.

• Montana State transfer running back Isaiah Ifanse was the solid second back option behind Jaydn Ott for the first half of the season, which included a start and a win against Idaho where he went over 150 all-purpose yards. Ifanse also had huge moments against North Texas and Oregon State before an injury cut his season short.

• Florida transfer linebacker David Reese had a slow start due to injury recovery, but by the end of last season was Cal’s primary pass rusher and was generating solid havoc off of the edge. Reese staying in form could bring the defense up several levels this year.

• Only two Cal transfers from that year really hurt the Bears: Jack Plummer went on to Louisville and dragged the Cardinals to the ACC title game. And the loss of J.Michael Sturdivant to UCLA greatly altered the complexion of the passing game for half the season as teams keyed in on Jeremiah Hunter. But none of the other departing Bears saw significant action for us to fully feel like we lost out.

• Washington transfer wide receiver Taj Davis proved to be a solid second option in the pass game, hauling in 39 receptions, including six crucial catches in the Big Game.

• Returning this year from these key 2023 transfers are Williams, Reese and Wykoff (now at center). Those additions were immeasurable in helping Cal improve by two wins against a much harder schedule. Hopefully the 2024 additions can provide a similar bump.