NEWS NOW: Texas Tech Transfer Safety Jordan Sanford Commits to Cal
The California Golden Bears have secured a major addition to their defensive unit, as former Texas Tech safety Jordan Sanford has officially announced his decision to transfer to Cal. The move gives the Bears an experienced and athletic presence in the secondary, a position the team had been actively looking to strengthen during the offseason.
Sanford, a native of Arlington, Texas, entered the transfer portal earlier this spring after spending the 2023 season with the Red Raiders. He was part of a talented recruiting class and showed flashes of his potential as a freshman, appearing in several games and contributing on special teams and in limited defensive snaps. Though his time on the field was somewhat limited at Texas Tech, coaches praised his speed, football instincts, and work ethic.
Now, Sanford brings those qualities to Berkeley, where he’s expected to compete for immediate playing time. With Cal preparing to enter a new era in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), the need for experienced and dynamic defensive backs has never been greater. Sanford’s arrival could provide both stability and upside in a secondary that’s looking to retool after several key departures.
In a message posted to his social media accounts, Sanford expressed gratitude to Texas Tech while looking ahead with excitement to his next chapter. “Thank you to Texas Tech for the opportunity and everything I’ve learned there,” Sanford wrote. “I’m beyond excited to start this new journey with Cal and give everything I’ve got to the program.”
Cal’s coaching staff, led by head coach Justin Wilcox and defensive coordinator Peter Sirmon, has developed a reputation for getting the most out of their defensive backs. The program has produced several NFL-caliber players from the secondary in recent years, making Berkeley an appealing destination for a player like Sanford looking for a fresh start and a bigger role.
According to sources close to the program, Sanford is expected to arrive on campus in the coming weeks and will participate in summer workouts ahead of fall camp. His blend of athleticism and football IQ fits well into Cal’s defensive scheme, which places a strong emphasis on versatility and communication in the back end.
“Jordan is a high-character young man with the tools to be an impact player in our system,” Coach Wilcox said in a brief statement. “We’re excited to welcome him to the Cal football family.”
The addition of Sanford is part of a broader effort by Cal to shore up its depth through the transfer portal ahead of its ACC debut. With the team looking to compete immediately in its new conference, each roster move takes on heightened importance — and Sanford’s commitment signals another step forward in that process.
As the Golden Bears build momentum heading into the 2025 season, Sanford’s presence could prove to be a key factor in the team’s defensive performance. If he lives up to the potential that made him a coveted recruit out of high school, Cal may have landed a difference-makerin the secondary.
