The University of California has released its 2027 football schedule, confirming a series of non‑conference matchups that will shape the Bears’ opening stretch. The slate includes home games against Sacramento State and Old Dominion, as well as a road trip to face UCLA, setting the stage for a season that could define the program’s trajectory under head coach Tosh Lupoi.
A New Non‑Conference Slate
Cal will open the season at home against Sacramento State on Saturday, August 28, 2027, before welcoming Old Dominion on Saturday, September 11, 2027. Both games will be played in Berkeley and form the centerpiece of the team’s three‑game non‑conference slate, which also includes a road game against UCLA.
Beyond the non‑conference games, the Bears will navigate a full ACC schedule, hosting Boston College, Louisville, Florida State and SMU while traveling to Georgia Tech, Pitt, Miami and Stanford.
ACC Road Tests
The move to a nine‑game conference format begins in 2026, meaning the 2027 season will be the first in which Cal plays nine ACC opponents, a shift that underscores the conference’s push for a more balanced slate.
Historical Context
Sacramento State’s ascent to the Football Bowl Subdivision adds intrigue. After a 7‑5 record in 2025 and a narrow loss to Nevada in their lone FBS test, the Hornets are poised to test Cal’s defense in their inaugural meeting since 2021, a game the Bears won 42‑30.
Old Dominion arrives after a dominant 2025 campaign that saw a 10‑3 overall record and a 6‑2 mark in the Sun Belt. The Monarchs’ 45‑26 victory over Virginia Tech not only secured a bowl win but also led to the firing of Hokies coach Brent Pry, adding a storyline of revenge and rivalry.
Cal has never faced Old Dominion on the gridiron, while the Bears hold a 3‑0 all‑time edge over Sacramento State. The upcoming matchups will therefore mark new territory for both programs.
Exact kickoff times for the 2027 contests will be announced later, but the schedule promises a blend of home‑field advantage and challenging road environments as the Bears aim to build momentum under head coach Tosh Lupoi.