The California Golden Bears football team has experienced a significant shake-up in its running back room, with five players entering the transfer portal within 48 hours. With 2024 fast approaching, the exodus leaves the team trying to patch up depth in this critical position.
Joining the ranks of the departed is star running back Jaydn Ott, whose initial commitment to staying at Cal has now transformed into a major sea shift for them as they continue to push the envelope of remaining competitive in the upcoming season.
Five Running Backs Have Entered the Transfer Portal for Cal, Including Star Jaydn Ott
Cal Golden Bears Running Back Room in Flux
Except for the running back position, here comes another mammoth uncertainty as turnover reaches its zenith for Cal in a remarkably short time. As these transfers play out, it will be interesting to see how the coaching staff fills the slots left by these transfers. With the 2024 season looming above, one such fast-moving action must fill the gaps with reliable talent. In particular, a recent transfer by Ott, a first-team All-Pac-12 running back, stands out as one of the most significant losses to the team’s depth chart. And now, here’s an in-depth look at this scenario on the future of Cal football.
- Friday: Ott, Running Back
Without a doubt, Ott was one of the best playmakers for Cal, leading the Pac-12 with 1,315 rushing yards in 2023, adding 169 receiving yards and two touchdowns. However, a badly-timed injury toward the beginning of 2024 slowed him significantly, and he finished with 385 rushing yards and four touchdowns. And now, despite his initial commitment to remaining at Cal, Ott has transferred to Oklahoma: another important addition for the Sooners’ backfield come next season. His departure leaves a gaping hole in the offensive plans for the Golden Bears.
- Saturday: Kadarius Calloway, Running Back
Together with Ott, this is another significant blow to the Golden Bears. A sound backup all through the 2023 season, Calloway was expected to play a substantial role in 2024. Due to his portal decision, Cal has to go back to the drawing board to get a similar depth and balance into their backfield. The shift puts the Bears’ coaching staff in a very tight position, forced to depend on younger, more inexperienced backs in the absence of both Ott and Calloway.
- Sunday: Byron Cardwell Jr., Running Back
Cardwell Jr. is another vital running back who entered the transfer portal, leaving Cal with additional complications in rebuilding its running back room. Cardwell, who transferred from Oregon, had previously shown promise in past seasons, but he has not fully realized that potential. As such, Cal is left with a big question regarding whether or not the loss of Cardwell will force them to look elsewhere to fill out their running back depth chart.
- Monday: Justin Williams-Thomas & Ashton Hayes, Running Backs
Losing both Williams-Thomas and Hayes from the RB rotation will cause Cal to struggle to fill multiple vacancies. Both players were expected to impact the Bears’ offense, leaving head coach Justin Wilcox with even fewer experienced options after their exits. This leaves the Bears with experienced running backs and forces them to begin exploring the transfer portal for an immediate contributor who can help stabilize the position.
Conclusion: Cal’s Running Back Room Under Pressure
The sudden exit of five running backs in a short time puts immense pressure on the Golden Bears coaching staff to pull off a massive rebuild.
KEEP READING: Transfer Portal Pipeline: Which Schools Lose the Most Talent—and Why?
With elite talents like Ott gone, Cal will rely heavily on new and unproven players to rise in 2024. Meanwhile, bringing in Cardwell from Oregon helps dull the pains of some losses. However, it will be an uphill battle for the Bears to regain depth in their backfield this season.
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