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Cal: Portal Winners with Key Additions

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, January 18th 2026 at 16:40 GMT
      Locale: UNITED STATES

The Rising Tide: Winners in the Portal Game

Several programs have demonstrated an impressive ability to navigate this turbulent environment. Cal, under Justin Wilcox, stands out as a significant winner. Wilcox and his staff have been exceptionally aggressive and successful in the portal, demonstrating a clear understanding of the current market. The addition of quarterback Chandler Ravenell from Oregon State represents a potentially transformative gain, injecting much-needed talent and competition into the Bears' offense. The acquisition of running back Tyler Harden (Texas) provides crucial depth, and Devan Kirk's arrival at wide receiver further strengthens Cal's offensive arsenal. Crucially, the defensive reinforcements indicate a holistic approach to portal strategy. Cal's success positions them as a potential dark horse in the increasingly competitive Big Ten.

BYU, too, has shown a proactive approach, securing valuable pieces like Aisea Moa (Oregon, WR) and Parker Jensen (Texas, OL). While still relatively new to the Big 12, BYU's continued development will be a key storyline to watch. Their ability to attract and retain talent, even amidst a larger conference, demonstrates a growing program identity.

UCLA, while facing broader challenges, has managed to maintain a semblance of stability, adding offensive talent to bolster their attack. Though their overall situation might not be stellar, their efforts to keep the program afloat are noteworthy. Washington, despite losing some key players, has effectively offset those losses by landing solid transfer portal targets, ensuring they remain competitive.

Trouble on the Horizon: Losers in the Portal Battle

The picture isn't so rosy for all former Pac-12 schools. The most concerning situation by far belongs to Stanford. A significant exodus of players through the portal paints a stark picture of a program struggling to retain talent and lacking momentum. While Stanford's academic reputation remains a draw for some, it's evidently not enough to overcome the disappointment felt by many athletes regarding the program's on-field performance. This represents a significant crisis point; substantial changes are needed to revitalize the Cardinal.

Arizona's performance is another cause for concern. Significant player departures signal deeper issues, likely stemming from the team's performance and its impact on recruiting. Their situation highlights the difficult transition into the Big 12 and the immediate pressure to compete.

ASU continues to operate as a revolving door, facing ongoing instability. Head coach Kenny Dillingham faces a considerable challenge in building a program that can retain talent. Finally, while Colorado did experience a net gain in the portal under Deion Sanders, the quality of those additions is questionable, and the team's performance will be under intense scrutiny.

Key Takeaways & Looking Ahead

The transfer portal is reshaping college football far more profoundly than initially anticipated. It's forcing programs to rethink their entire strategies - from recruitment to player development and retention. Cal's surprising emergence demonstrates the potential rewards for programs willing to embrace the portal effectively. Conversely, Stanford's situation serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of sustained success on the field and a positive program culture. The realignment process, while intended to strengthen conferences, has inadvertently amplified the pressures within individual programs, particularly those struggling to adapt to the new competitive landscape. The coming seasons promise to be fascinating as these programs continue to grapple with the ever-evolving realities of the modern college football landscape.