Bears Beat Out Auburn for Portal Transfer OLB Isibor

The Bears parlayed a strong official visit for 6-3/260 former UCLA senior OLB Odua Isibor into a commitment over Auburn as the former Bruin announced his commitment to Cal tonight via Instagram and Twitter.

The pickup was the Bears’ 18th addition to the 2022 class and likely closes out the class. Isibor will come in next month with former Nevada and College of the Canyons OLB Henry Ikahihifo‍ to compete for a starting outside linebacker slot for the Bears in their search to bolster their pressure off the edge on defense.

"Odua has been a productive player in our conference, and we have confidence that he will continue or increase his level of productivity when he joins us for the 2022 season." head coach Justin Wilcox said. "We are excited to add a quality player with Odua's credentials and experience to our program via the transfer portal."

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The cultural fit Isibor found at Cal was a big selling point for the senior as he worked to make his decision.

“I would say I had to think about with my last year, what is the best cultural fit for me,” said Isibor. “I thought the coaches and the staff at Cal were really genuine. Not that the coaches at Auburn weren’t but I think I vibed with them better, for lack of a better word. 

“Also, I feel like the location fits me well. I like to explore and get good food and there’s a lot more history and diversity in places like Oakland and San Francisco.

“As far as academics go, it’s one of the best schools in the country. And the connections you build for after football, there are just so many opportunities I can chase in that direction.

“With football, I feel like it’s the best fit for me. I liked what they have going on at Auburn but I feel like I’ll be more successful here.”

After spending time at DT in the last two seasons, Isibor plans to make a move to his more natural position at his next destination. His relationship with new Cal outside linebacker coach Vic So’oto played a role in his decision for Cal, as well.

”I love coach Vic,” said Isibor. “He’s really cool. He’s younger so I think he’s more relatable. Funny guy. That’s great when your coach is funny. It makes meetings more fun. That’s a luxury I really appreciate it. I already talked to my teammate and guys who know him and they say he coaches hard but he’s a good guy, too.”

Isibor comes to Cal already holding an undergrad and master's degree and will enroll in one of Cal’s certificate programs.

“I already have my undergrad degree and am just wrapping up my master’s in Transformative Coaching and Leadership,” noted Isibor.

As a redshirt junior playing as an undersized DT, Isibor totaled 14 tackles with 4.5 tackles for loss and 2 sacks on the season. As a redshirt frosh in 2018, isibor was a part-time starter at outside linebacker and the move to Cal sees him return to Cal at his more natural position to help boost Cal’s pressure potential on the edge in ‘22.

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