The 2022-23 season is underway for Cal’s fall sports, with the winter sports already gearing up for the start of their schedules.
Football is in the heart of its season, with four home games at FTX Field at California Memorial Stadium left on the schedule for fans to come see the Golden Bears in action. Running back Jaydn Ott has already cemented his name in Cal’s record books since the true freshman burst onto the scene this fall. With his 274-yard rushing performance versus Arizona, Ott claimed the No. 3 spot on the Cal all-time single-game list. He’s the top freshman rusher in the conference and was named Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week after his outburst against Arizona while already being named Pac-12 Freshman of the Week three times. Jackson Sirmon and Oluwafemi Oladejo have led the defense this season as the duo recorded a combined 60 tackles in the first three games of the season, earning them the runner-up slot of most tackles by a pair of teammates in the Pac-12.
The 125th Big Game is scheduled for Nov. 19 at California Memorial Stadium. The milestone rivalry event also marks the 40th anniversary of The Play, one of the most historic moments in college football history when Cal won the contest on a five-lateral kickoff return through the Stanford band. Known for his iconic “the band is out on the field” call of The Play, Hall of Fame broadcaster Joe Starkey is in his final season as Cal’s football radio play-by-play announcer.
The defending national champion men’s water polo is ranked No. 2 in the nation with a 12-1 record. Nikolaos Papanikolaou, winner of the prestigious Cutino Award in 2021, currently leads the MPSF with 25 goals and 25 earned exclusions. Hoping to earn an opportunity to defend its title, Cal will host this year’s NCAA Championship at Spieker Aquatics Complex on Dec. 3-4.
Other sports to watch on campus this fall include volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, field hockey and men’s and women’s tennis. All home events are open to spectators, and most are streamed live or televised on the Pac-12 Networks for fans unable to attend in person. Check CalBears.com for complete information and schedule updates.
The Bears’ men’s and women’s basketball teams are eager to make their return to Haas Pavilion in November. The regular season opens with a doubleheader involving both teams on Nov. 7. Information about season tickets can be found at CalBears.com/tickets.
