Justin Allegri Named Cal Radio Play-by-Play Announcer for Football and Basketball

Justin Allegri, a Northern California native who has called San Jose State football and basketball games for the past 11 years, was named the radio play-by-play announcer for both sports at Cal.

On the football side, Allegri replaces Joe Starkey, the voice of the Bears for the past 48 years before retiring after the 2022 campaign.

"This is a job that Joe Starkey held to such a high standard for a long, long time. I'm never going to use the phrase, 'filling his shoes' or 'taking his job,’ “ Allegri said in a statement. “I'm always going to use the phrase, 'hoping to carry the baton.' Joe is Cal football and forever will be.”

Former quarterback and Cal Athletic Hall of Fame member Mike Pawlawski will continue to serve as color analyst for football broadcasts.

Allergri will make his debut on Sept. 2 when the Bears open their season at North Texas.

"We are absolutely thrilled to introduce Justin Allegri to our fan base and welcome him to our Cal Family," Cal athletic director Jim Knowlton said. "Justin is a multi-talented broadcaster and a Northern California native, and is the perfect fit to tell the story of our football and men's basketball programs. Justin will be an incredible representative of Cal, and I can't wait to hear him describe all of the memorable moments to come.”

In addition to calling SJSU games, Allergri also is a part-time broadcaster for Minor League Baseball's San Jose Giants and can be heard on Sony PlayStation's "MLB The Show.”

With Cal he will host "Bear In Mind,” a weekly podcast featuring interviews with Golden Bears coaches, student-athletes and staff.

"This is a role that's highly coveted, not only because of the university and the academic integrity that it has, but the athletics it has as well," Allegri said.

A native of Santa Cruz, Allegri received a bachelor's and master's degree from San Jose State.

Cover photo of Justin Allegri courtesy of Cal Athletics

Follow Jeff Faraudo of Cal Sports Report on Twitter: @jefffaraudo