More than seven months after Tosh Lupoi was hired, the University of California, Berkeley has settled into a new rhythm that blends optimism with cautious anticipation. The program’s fan base, still buzzing from the coach’s early outreach, now watches closely as the team prepares for its 2026 campaign.
The schedule opens in eight weeks with a home game against UCLA at Memorial Stadium, a matchup that could set the tone for the season. Lupoi’s staff has assembled a promising mix of veteran assistants and first‑time coordinators, a combination that will be tested against a slate that includes non‑conference contests with Wagner and UNLV before conference play begins.
Quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who burst onto the scene as a standout freshman last year, has chosen to remain with the program, a decision that underscores the trust Lupoi has built. His development will be a central narrative, especially as the offense integrates new weapons.
The receiving corps has been bolstered by transfers Ian Strong, Chase Hendricks and tight end Dorian Thomas, all arriving from the portal. Their arrival is intended to address a passing attack that struggled last season, while the offensive line, which managed just 81.7 rushing yards per game in 2025, hopes to find consistency.
Defensively, the Bears retain a reputation for strength in the secondary, a unit that has produced a defensive back drafted to the NFL for seven straight seasons. That depth provides a foundation on which the rest of the unit can build.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The combination of a favorable schedule, a quarterback poised for growth and a defense that remains among the nation’s best creates a compelling narrative for Cal’s 2026 campaign. Yet the biggest unknown remains the performance of Lupoi and his staff, who are navigating their first year as head coaches and coordinators. How quickly they can translate early momentum into sustained success will be the story that defines the season.