Justin Wilcox shares what he wants the ACC to know about Cal football

Justin Wilcox is prepared to lead the California Golden Bears into a new era, as the program moves to the ACC in 2024.

While last season was a little disappointing for the Golden Bears, finishing 6-7 during their final campaign in the Pac-12, they’re looking to join the ACC with great fanfare. California has some fascinating games in 2024, including a trip to Auburn on Sept. 7, and their first ACC game, on Sept. 21 against Florida State.

It certainly won’t be easy, but Wilcox and the Golden Bears can’t wait to get started, as he explained during his first appearance at ACC Media Days last week.

“It’s great to be here,” Wilcox said, regarding Cal joining the ACC. “We’re incredibly excited. I can speak for the coaches and the players. Not only the team, but our students, our alumni. We’re going to visit some new venues, new teams coming in. Couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the ACC this year.”

There’s a lot to like about California joining the ACC, as they bring a rich history to the storied conference. Wilcox explained what he wanted the conference to know about the Golden Bears, and how they’re going to play in 2024.

“Well, we got a rich tradition. Reaches back a long, long time. Some great players and great teams throughout our history. It’s a proud university. We take a lot of pride in the way the guys pursue their education, what they do after football, but also the product we put on the field,” Wilcox added. “We got some great representatives with us here, smart guys, tough guys. They love playing football.

“We’re looking forward to competing at a very high level against the great competition in the ACC. Again, couldn’t be more honored to be a part of the conference moving forward.”

While California’s overall record in 2023 wasn’t exactly strong, they finished the season on a high note, winning their final three games of the regular season to make a bowl game.

It was running back Jaydn Ott was the tip of the spear for the Golden Bears last season, as he established himself as one of the best rushers in college football, rushing for 1,305 yards and 13 touchdowns last season as a major part of Cal’s success.

Will Justin Wilcox and California be a sleeper contender in the ACC in Year 1? That remains to be seen, but the Golden Bears will be a nice addition to the conference, beginning this season.