Six Cal players land on Shrine Bowl 1000 preseason list
Cal had four players participate in the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl in January. With any luck, the Bears could have more in attendance next year. Monday, the all-star game released its East-West Shrine Bowl 1000.
The preseason list features six current members of the Cal football team eligible to play in the game. The group is highlighted by junior inside linebacker Cade Uluave. Fellow inside linebackers Buom Jock and Harrison Taggart are also represented. In the secondary, cornerbacks Hezekiah Masses and Brent Austin made the list.
Rounding out the group is top returning interior defensive lineman Aidan Keanaaina.
All four of the participants in the 2025 event were drafted. That includes cornerback Nohl Williams and linebacker Teddye Buchanan. Defensive backs Marcus Harris and Craig Woodson also played in the all-star event in Texas.
This year’s event will again take place in Frisco, Texas at the Ford Center at The Star. The East-West Shrine Bowl will kick off on Jan. 27.
Looking ahead to Shrine Bowl consideration
The event will eventually pare down its list of 1,000 players for a final roster. However, each of the Cal players should remain under strong consideration following the recent success at the event.
Each of the six players figures to be a key part of the defense for the Bears this season. Uluave returns as the team’s top tackler. Meanwhile, Keanaaina will be the top returning tackler at his position.
The Notre Dame transfer shined in his first season with the Bears in 2024. Keanaaina finished with 45 tackles last year.
Masses and Austin head into training camp as the likely duo at cornerback. Both are newcomers to the Bears this season and have experience on their side. Masses made his presence felt in the spring with the Bears.
Jock and Taggart should complement Uluave well at inside linebacker. The trio should give new co-defensive coordinators Vic So’oto and Terrence Brown plenty of flexibility at the position.
“I love our coaching staff,” Keanaaina said last week. “I’m very grateful for Coach Wilcox for hiring within house. Keeping the guys around that I’ve been comfortable with has been amazing for all of us. They built this defensive culture from when I came in to where it is now. I think both of them bring amazing aspects to what our defense is going to be in this upcoming year.”
The Bears will report for training camp on Tuesday with practice set to begin Wednesday. Cal’s season opener will take place on Aug. 30 at Oregon State.
