Bears Pull in First Commit of 2026 Class in SoCal Corner Jayden Crowder
The Bears picked up their first early commitment of their 2026 class this week with the addition of Santa Margarita Catholic (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA) HS cornerback Jayden Crowder after his visit to Cal for the Big Game over the weekend.
“Cal was incredible,” Crowder said after his commitment. “I really admired how the staff runs everything—it’s clear they’re committed to excellence. The education is top-tier, and I immediately felt a strong connection with the coaching staff and team.
“The student section was electric. Their energy never wavered throughout the entire game, and you could feel the passion from the fans, who absolutely love their team.
The star-studded cast of Cal football legends who were at the game and with the team pregame and postgame also made a strong impression on the newest Bear.
“Being around the NFL legends and the team was an unforgettable experience, and the energy in the locker room after the game was something special,” Crowder noted. “I’m excited for the opportunity to be a part of this amazing atmosphere.”
Crowder has a laundry list of blueblood offers as a junior, including Miami, Penn State, Tennessee, Washington and more.
As a soph at powerhouse Mater Dei, the newest Bear had 9 tackles and one pass breakup and as a junior this season at Santa Margarita Catholic, the 3 star corner had 45 tackles, 2 interceptions, 8 passes defended and 1 fumble recovered for the Eagles, who bowed out of the playoffs with a narrow 31-29 loss to national power St. John Bosco the weekend before last.
Crowder is rated the 41st cornerback in the nation by 247 and the 53rd overall player in the state.