Cal is entering the 2024 NCAA season as an optimistic newcomer to the ACC, featuring several players deserving of national recognition.
To focus on other key players on Cal’s football team, notable athletes like Jaydn Ott, Cade Uluave, Jack Endries, Teddye Buchanan, and the quarterbacks are excluded from this list due to the significant accolades and preseason honors they have already received.
Here are five additional Cal players to watch this upcoming season:
OL Sioape Vatikani.
Vatikani is crucial to Cal’s offensive line. The junior right guard has made 20 starts in 25 games, earning a spot on the All-ACC Preseason Fourth Team and being named to the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award Watchlist for the second consecutive year. However, he has been dealing with a foot injury throughout training camp, putting his status in doubt for Cal’s season opener against UC Davis on August 31. Vatikani played a significant role in the Bears’ offense, which averaged 172.8 rushing yards and 1.7 rushing touchdowns per game last season. His health and impact will be vital for Cal’s season outlook.
WR Tobias Merriweather.
Merriweather transferred from Notre Dame in December, effectively taking the place of Jeremiah Hunter, who moved to Washington. Standing at 6’5″, the junior is expected to be a primary target and has a strong background in track and field. During his last two seasons with the Fighting Irish, he recorded 15 receptions for 325 yards, averaging 21.7 yards per catch as a deep threat. Merriweather has consistently received top recognition in camp and is now in Cal’s college-style offense, which suits his big-play capabilities better than his previous school’s more conservative approach. He is set for a standout first season with the Bears.
CB Marcus Harris.
Harris, a graduate student who transferred from Idaho, is expected to be a standout cornerback for Cal. He is one of the most accomplished cornerbacks in Vandals history, having been named a first-team FCS All-American and a first-team Big Sky All-Conference player in 2023, with 10 pass breakups, three interceptions, and 51 tackles. Cal’s coaching staff was impressed by his performance when they faced Idaho last season, similar to their experience with current cornerback Nohl Williams against UNLV in 2022. With six defensive backs drafted into the NFL over the past five seasons, Harris could be the next to follow suit, having already been named to the Preseason All-ACC Fourth Team.
DE David Reese.
Reese could provide the experienced leadership needed for Cal’s pass rush. Entering his seventh year, he has received a Preseason All-ACC Fourth Team nod and carries momentum from a strong finish to the previous season. After transferring from Florida in January 2023, Reese had a slow start with just one sack in the first half of the season but exploded with 5.5 sacks in his last three games, finishing with a career-high total of 6.5. He led the Bears in sacks, tackles for loss, and quarterback hurries last season. For Cal to have a successful season, Reese needs to deliver consistent performance throughout the year.
K Ryan Coe.
The kicker position is crucial for Cal, with Coe stepping in for Mateen Bhaghani, who transferred to UCLA. Coe has successfully made 36 of 44 career kicks (81%) and is likely to play a pivotal role in several games, making him an essential player to monitor.
This blend of talent, experience, and newcomers has the potential to significantly impact the Bears’ 2024 season, so keep an eye on these players as Cal embarks on its first year in the ACC.
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