California hosts Clemson on Friday night for a crucial ACC showdown in Week 4 of the 2026 college football season. Both teams have had an uneven start to the year, but the Tigers and Golden Bears both enter this matchup with a 2-1 mark. A win on Friday night would provide much-needed momentum with the heart of conference play looming in October.
After a 45-24 loss to UCLA in Week 1, new coach Tosh Lupoi guided California to rebound wins over Syracuse 21-18 and Wagner 49-7. With the offseason coaching change, along with a major roster overhaul, it’s no surprise the Golden Bears needed a few games to find their footing under Lupoi. However, no transition period was needed at quarterback with the continued development of Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele. The second-year signal-caller has passed for 866 yards and seven touchdowns and connected on 66.7 percent of his throws through the first three games of ‘26.
After a disappointing 7-6 record last season, Clemson aimed to get back to the top of the ACC in ‘26. However, a 2-1 start that included a blowout 51-10 loss to LSU in Week 1 has only added pressure to coach Dabo Swinney. A 28-20 comeback win over North Carolina last Saturday provided some optimism the offense was starting to find its footing, but the Tigers face a tough upcoming slate with this road trip to Berkeley, followed by games against Miami, Virginia Tech and Florida State.
This game marks just the second meeting between Clemson and California on the gridiron. The Golden Bears won the only previous meeting in a 37-13 in the 1992 Citrus Bowl.
Clemson vs. California Odds and Info
Kickoff: Friday, Sept. 25 at 10:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Spread: Clemson -1.5
Over/Under: 50.5
USA Today Network via Reuters Connect
Steven Lassan: This is a tough game to get a read on. The long travel from Clemson to the West Coast certainly benefits California. However, while Sagapolutele is a star, I have question marks about the overall scheme and play-calling under the new staff. In addition to Sagapolutele’s arm, the Golden Bears should have opportunities to run the ball with running back Adam Mohamed against a Clemson defense giving up 181.7 rushing yards a game on the ground. Last week’s win over North Carolina should give the Tigers offense some confidence, especially after quarterback Tait Reynolds helped to guide a comeback in the second half. Another step forward by Reynolds would be huge for this offense on the road, but Swinney’s group still has major question marks up front and averages only 4.8 yards per play. This one feels like a mistake or late turnover could decide a matchup that goes down to the wire.
Prediction: California 26, Clemson 23
Kyle Wood: A rain delay last week might have saved the Tigers from what could have been their first loss to North Carolina since 2010. Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds is evidently an improvement over Christopher Vizzina, as he showed in the comeback against the Tar Heels. But can this offense keep up with the Golden Bears? Cal looks like it’s rounding into form. Quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has been better with each game. And coach Tosh Lupoi’s defense has an absolute ballhawk in Kingston Lopa, who already has five interceptions. This is Clemson’s first West Coast trip since the ACC expansion, and the Golden Bears appear primed to spoil it.
Prediction: California 24, Clemson 21
