Cal football is back in the spotlight—and this time, it’s thanks to some major recruiting buzz. Earl Brooks, the father of four-star edge rusher Cameron Brooks, had nothing but good things to say after their recent visit to Berkeley.
After the trip, Earl hopped on X to thank Cal’s coaching staff, especially Coach So’oto, for the incredible hospitality. It made an impact. Camron, one of the top defensive prospects out of Georgia, is now giving Cal some serious thought as he weighs his college options.
Camron Brooks’ Visit to Cal Football Strengthens His Desire to Join The Bay Area Program
Camron Brooks—currently ranked No. 166 nationally in the 2026 class by 247Sports—spent the weekend of April 29 soaking in everything Cal offers. His visit to California Memorial Stadium was a highlight. The stadium, tucked into the scenic Berkeley hills and officially listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, gave Cameron and his family a taste of history and charm.
Thanks to @CalFootball for showing us a great time this past weekend. A special shout-out goes to @Coach_Sooto & @CoachSooto for making us feel at home. They did such an amazing job that my son @CamronBrooks32 wants to make it his new home now. From #THECOUNTY to The Bay pic.twitter.com/BoxBF0yjAc
— Earl Brooks (@EarlBrooksjr84) April 29, 2025
Earl Brooks posted some great shots of Brooks on the field, soaking up the atmosphere. The gold endzones, which were added in 2023 through Cal’s Nike partnership, made the whole scene pop—and it’s easy to see why the visit left such a strong impression.
But the visit wasn’t just about checking out the facilities—it came down to the personal touch from Cal’s coaching staff. Earl Brooks gave a special shoutout to Coach So’oto for going above and beyond to make the whole family feel welcome.
That kind of hospitality meant a lot to Brooks.
“They did such an amazing job that my son @CamronBrooks32 wants to make it his new home now,” Earl posted on X, summing up the vibe perfectly. It’s pretty clear the trip left a big impression—Camron’s interest in becoming a Golden Bear has definitely kicked up a notch.
For Brooks, who had an impressive junior year with four sacks and 20 quarterback hurries, the visit drove home how serious Cal is about building a strong defense. The recent move to bring in co-defensive coordinators Brown and So’oto earlier this month (April 10) shows they’re dialing in on that side of the ball, precisely the kind of environment a top EDGE guy like Brooks wants to be in.
Add in the chance to live and play in the Bay Area, and it’s easy to see why Cal’s starting to look like a real front-runner in his recruitment.
A Historic Venue and a Bright Future for Cal Football
California Memorial Stadium, the heart of Cal Football, played a starring role in the Brooks family’s visit. Dedicated in 1923 to honor Californians lost in World War I, the stadium’s historic façade and modern amenities, like the club seating and new pressbox added during its renovation, offer a unique blend of tradition and innovation.
The scenic views of the Berkeley hills, visible in the photos shared by Earl, added to the venue’s charm, making it a memorable setting for Brooks’ potential future home.
Cal Football’s recruiting momentum is also a reflection of its broader ambitions. The program has been navigating the evolving landscape of college football, with challenges like the transfer portal and NIL deals, as noted in a recent Cal Football Challenge crowdfunding campaign.
By securing commitments from high-caliber recruits like Brooks, who chose Cal over powerhouse programs like Ohio State and Clemson, the Golden Bears are signaling their intent to compete for conference championships and beyond.
Camron Brooks’ trip to Berkeley hit all the right notes. Between the warm welcome from the coaching staff, the iconic setting of Memorial Stadium, and Cal’s clear focus on building up its defense, the visit strongly impacted Brooks and his family.
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Earl Brooks’ post on X says it all—this wasn’t just about football; it was about feeling a genuine connection. And right now, Cal seems to be making a very compelling case to be Brooks’ future home.
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