2026 CB Jayden Crowder decommits from Cal

Corona (Calif.) Santa Margarita Catholic three-star cornerback Jayden Crowder has decommitted from Cal, he announced on Wednesday morning.

He was pledged to the in-state Golden Bears since Nov. 25, 2024. The 5-foot-11, 170-pounder announced his decision via X:

“I want to start by thanking the University of California, Berkeley, and the entire Cal football staff for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to play at the next level. I have nothing but love and respect for the program, the coaches, and the fans. After prayer, thoughtful conversations with my family, and careful consideration, I have decided to decommit from Cal and reopen my recruitment. I’m excited to explore all of my options as I continue to pursue my goals at the next level. Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this journey.”

Crowder is the No. 941 overall prospect and No. 86 corner in the 2026 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 80 player in California.

Crowder is coming off a visit to USC over the weekend. The Trojans offered on Oct. 11 and will now be a team to watch moving forward in the defensive back’s recruitment.

“The atmosphere was great. It was a packed-out stadium. Everybody was really nice. They’re doing what they’re supposed to do with the fans,” Crowder told Rivals’ Adam Gorney about his time in Los Angeles. “Them rolling over Michigan, that was a big win because they showed out, the offense showed out and the defense showed out.”

More on Cal Recruiting

With Crowder no longer in the fold, Cal is down to 20 commits in its 2026 class. Head coach Justin Wilcox and the staff in Berkeley currently have the No. 47 class nationally, per the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

To no surprise, the Golden Bears have leaned on the in-state recruiting trail once again this cycle. Despite losing Crowder’s pledge, they still have 12 Golden State prospects in the fold to date. Headlining that group is Torrance Bishop Montgomery three-star running back Victor Santino, the nation’s No. 29 RB and No. 37 player in the state.

Thomasville (Ga.) Thomas County Central three-star EDGE Cam Brooks committed to Cal at the end of April and remains at the top of the pledge list with the early signing period looming. Brooks is the No. 440 recruit overall this cycle.

There’s also some usual Hawaii flavor in the class, too. Kamehameha three-star tight end Taimane Purcell and St. Louis three-star quarterback Nainoa Lopes are both near the top of the class. Cal’s 2025 season has been highlighted by true freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, an impressive lefty gunslinger who came out of James Campbell in Ewa Beach, Hawaii.

The entire Cal recruiting class can be seen here. The Bears check in at No. 11 in the ACC, ahead of Duke, Wake Forest, Georgia Tech, NC State, Virginia and Virginia Tech.