Cal Football

Cal Football Defensive Tackles Preview: Bears Leaning on DT Portal Transfers

Jericho Johnson and Jayden Williams' arrival and the hopeful return of DT/DE Nate Burrell likely to play big role in Bears' prospects up the middle in 2026
By Jim McGill
August 30, 2026
2.6k Views
Discuss
Story Poster

In 2026, the Bears’ interior defensive line will look little like it did a year ago. Aidan Keanaaina and T.J. Bollers anchored the middle in 2025 and both are gone. Keanaaina signed with the Lions and Bollers with the Jaguars, each as an undrafted free agent. Between them they accounted for close to 100 tackles up front. And now, it’s essentially time to start over.

To continue reading, you must be a Bear Insider Premium subscriber.
Try Premium for $1
See Subscription Benefits →
Trial only available to users who have never subscribed or participated in a previous trial
Discuss
Tags
Cal football defensive tackles preview Nate Burrell Michael-Anthony Okwura Jericho Johnson Nemyah Telona Kingston Schirmer Ashun Shepphard Jayden Williams Football California 2026
SPONSORED BY
Cal Athletics
More Football
See All →
Cal Football Safeties and Nickel Backs Preview - Lots of Returning Experience
By Jim McGill
Bear Insider Ultimate Insider Podcast E134: Cal DT Nate Burrell
By Mike Pawlawski
Cal Football Tuesday Media - UCLA Game Week
By Jim McGill
Cal Football Inside Linebackers Preview: A Whole New Cast
By Jim McGill
 
×
subscribe Verify your student status
See Subscription Benefits
Trial only available to users who have never subscribed or participated in a previous trial.