Cade Uluave has been named the season captain for the California Golden Bears football team for 2025. The announcement was made by Travers Family Head Coach Justin Wilcox on Tuesday. Uluave, a junior inside linebacker, will serve as season captain for the first time after previously being selected as a game captain during Cal’s matchup against Miami in 2024.
“It’s a blessing and a cool opportunity to be named the captain,” Uluave said.”It puts me in a role to be a leader on the team. I want to be a resource and someone that everyone can turn to.”
Wilcox expressed his support for Uluave’s new role. “Cade is everything you’re looking for in a captain,” Wilcox added. “He’s a tireless worker and a competitor to the bone. Cade shows great leadership qualities and is a tremendous example for other guys on the team.”
In addition to Uluave, three other players will be chosen as game captains for each contest throughout the 2025 season.
The Golden Bears begin their 2025 campaign against Oregon State in Corvallis, Oregon, this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. PT, with coverage available on ESPN. Their home opener is scheduled for September 6 against Texas Southern at 3 p.m. PT, which will air on ACCNX/ESPN+. Fans can also listen to all Cal games on KSFO 810 AM.
Uluave enters his third season at Cal having earned several preseason honors as a junior in 2025, including third-team All-American from Phil Steele and All-ACC recognition from both Phil Steele and Athlon Sports. He has also been named to watch lists for the Bednarik Award and Polynesian College Football Player of the Year.
During his collegiate career at Cal since 2023, Uluave has played in 22 games with 15 starts over two seasons. He leads active Bears players in tackles (137), tackles for loss (9.5), tackle-for-loss yards (-48), interceptions (3), pass breakups (5), passes defended (8), and forced fumbles (2). His record also includes three sacks (-28 yards), two fumble recoveries, and five quarterback hurries.
As a sophomore in 2024, he received honorable mention All-ACC honors after finishing second on the team with 71 tackles despite missing some games due to injury. In his freshman year in 2023, he was recognized as first-team Freshman All-America by multiple outlets and was named Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year by league coaches.
Uluave led all Pac-12 freshmen—and ranked among national leaders—in tackles during his rookie season.
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