Cal Football

Bear Insider Cal Weekly Grab Bag – August 21, 2026

Our weekly walkthrough of some of the most interesting stories of the week, mainly football and basketball. Not always directly tied to Cal, but they offer useful context for the program’s present and future. As Ron Rivera says, “It’s interesting but not important” —still, some of it's entertaining.
August 21, 2026
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This week, more preseason hype, another “Elite” Cal coach, a lesson in public speaking, baseball moves, it’s been nineteen years, eligibility unease, a rivalry backgrounder, Cal Men’s Basketball celebrates, and a Joe Roth Award winner.

Cal Football has been receiving uneven coverage from national media for months. Between widely different projected win totals and rankings, the Bears have a high standard deviation. This prediction may steady the ship.

247 Sports released its 30Under30 list this week, recognizing the top coaches and rising stars in college football. Cal Defensive Line Coach, Darrion Daniels, made the cut. An honor for Daniels and validation of Tosh’s coach picking acumen.

Former Cal QB, now Raider rookie, Fernando Mendoza, continues to dazzle the media with his interviews. He struggled on the field last night, but his messaging at other times is on the mark. Mendoza’s public speaking classes at Cal are clearly the difference maker.

Cal Baseball welcomes its new class to Berkeley.

A look back at a bittersweet moment for Cal football. The year…2007. I’m sure we all remember where we were.

ESPN reports this week on the twilight zone that is college football eligibility. Is it possible Cal takes advantage of the potential availability of a former Bear presently in an NFL training camp?

A UCLA alumnus takes a fair and balanced look at the Bears-Bruins rivalry. It’s actually a good read with some stunning admissions.

Recently promoted to Director of Player Development under Mark Madsen, Matt Bradley celebrated his 27th birthday on Wednesday.

Quarterback Gary Grumann received the inaugural Joe Roth Award in 1977. In his two years at Cal, he threw for more than 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns. I saw his first start, on the road, in Eugene. The Bears won handily.

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Bear Insider Cal Weekly Grab Bag – August 21, 2026

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