UNC Eyes Defensive Reset in Matchup with California

North Carolina will take on California on Saturday for its second ACC matchupo of the year.

The Tar Heels (2-3) are hoping to avoid their third loss in a row when they travel to take on the Bears (4-2). It will be a lengthy trip for UNC as it is a 2,800-mile trip from Chapel Hill to the San Francisco Bay Area.

Oct 4, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Bryant Wesco Jr. (12) attempts to catch a pass in the end zone as North Carolina Tar Heels defensive back Marcus Allen (29) defends in the first quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

While the Bears have some talented offensive players, they average 351.7 yards per game, ranking 15th out of 17 teams in the ACC and 96th nationally out of 134 teams.

Although Cal has a fairly decent passing game, the Bears have struggled to run the ball, averaging less than 100 rushing yards per game, which is 119th nationally. Cal also averages just 3.1 yards per carry, ranking 127th in the country.

Sep 20, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick walks into the field before the game against the UCF Knights at the Bounce House Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Here is a look at Cal's offense.

Quarterback

Oct 4, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (3) warms up before taking on the Duke Blue Devils at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images | D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

Cal’s starting quarterback, Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, is a true freshman who has taken on a larger role this season than expected and has performed admirably, demonstrating poise and growth throughout the year.

Sagapolutele has completed 62.2 percent of his passes for 1,479 yards, recording nine touchdowns and seven interceptions.

As a young signal-caller, he has experienced the expected ups and downs, but his poise under pressure and quick adjustment to the college game have made him a noticeable contributor for Cal’s offense this season.

Oct 4, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (3) warms up before taking on the Duke Blue Devils at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images | D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

Sagapolutele has struggled at times with turnovers, as indicated by his interception total. According to Pro Football Focus, he has completed only 42.6 percent of his passes for 314 yards, with one touchdown and three interceptions, when under pressure. While some inconsistency is understandable for a freshman, it is notable that six of his seven interceptions have occurred when he was not facing a blitz.

Running Back

Sep 27, 2025; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; California Golden Bears running back Kendrick Raphael (1) warms up before a game against the Boston College Eagles before a game at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | Eric Canha-Imagn Images

While Cal’s rushing attack has been one of the worst in the country, that’s because they have a bad running back as Kendrick Raphael is a solid one. Raphael has had 93 rushes for 414 yards (4.5 yards per carry) and four touchdowns. He has also broken 23 tackles.

Wide Receiver/Tight End

UNC — Sep 13, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Matt Kingsbury (49) brings down California Golden Bears wide receiver Trond Grizzell (7) at the 3-yard line during the first quarter at California Memorial Stadium. | D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

Trond Grizzell is a big-time receiver for Cal and has a good frame for a receiver at 6-foot-4, 205 pounds. He has 24 catches for a team-high 400 yards and a touchdown.

Jacob De Jesus has a team-high 34 catches for 301 yards and two touchdowns. He is also Cal’s main return specialist.

Tight end Mason Mini is one of the best tight ends in the country, hauling in 26 catches for 279 yards and three touchdowns, which is a team-high three touchdowns.

Offensive Line

Sep 6, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears offensive lineman Jordan Spasojevic-Moko (66) after the game against the Texas Southern Tigers at California Memorial Stadium. | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The offensive line, as stated before, has been porous for the Bears, which is often a big reason they cannot run the football. According to PFF, Cal’s offensive line unit is ranked as tied for the 107th-best at run blocking with a run block grade of 53.9.

Sep 20, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick walks the sideline during the first quarter against the UCF Knights at the Bounce House Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images

On the offensive line, the starters are:

Right Tackle Braden Miller
Right Guard Sioape Vatikani
Center Tyson Ruffins
Left Guard Jordan Spasojevic-Mok
Left Tackle Nick Morrow

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