Cal is 3-1 to start the 2024 college football season. To be honest, that’s a pretty good start, considering the Golden Bears have played two tough road games at Auburn and Florida State. With that said, Cal would not have the record they do without the contributions of certain key players. These players are the early MVPs four games into this season.
Cal Football Early Season MVPs
Nohl Williams – Cornerback
Nohl Williams has proven himself to be a true ball-hawk for this Cal secondary. He leads the entire nation in interceptions with four right now. Williams has already surpassed his total number of interceptions from last season, and is one pass deflection away from matching last season’s total of eight. He’s also added 12 total tackles this season.
It’s hard to put into words what Williams has done in his second season with the Golden Bears. It feels like every game, he’s making impactful plays. He’s a big reason why the defense is third in the nation in turnovers gained. If he keeps it up, he could be in line for one of the greatest seasons ever for a Cal defensive back.
Teddye Buchanan – Linebacker
Teddye Buchanan is no longer Cal’s best-kept secret; and he is a prime example of what it means to be a leader on defense. It’s crazy that it took this long in his career for him to land on an FBS program, but alas, he’s here with Cal and playing well.
Cal’s defense struggled last season, but with the addition of Buchanan and many others, they’re now ranked 31st in the nation in total defense. That’s a big improvement from last season in which Cal ranked 114th in the nation.
Buchanan has been stuffing the stat sheet early this year. He has 40 total tackles, two and one-half sacks, and one forced fumble. The most impressive thing about Buchanan that doesn’t pop up in the stat sheet is his sideline-to-sideline speed. The Bay Area native has been impressive in his first four football games for Cal.
Nyziah Hunter – Wide Receiver
Nyziah Hunter has come onto the scene early this season. Hunter doesn’t have many high-yardage games thus far, but it feels like he makes a big play every game.
Hunter was not supposed to get much playing time this season. Yet, due to injuries, he got his chance and ran with it.
So far, Hunter has four touchdowns for 182 yards on just 14 catches. His most impressive game came against Auburn, when he had a pair of touchdown receptions. Through the first four games, Hunter leads the team in receiving yards. This offense needed someone to step up, and the redshirt freshman has proven himself to be a reliable target.
Lachlan Wilson – Punter
Having a really good punter can help out both the offense and defense tremendously. And Lachlan Wilson is just that, a good punter.
The Australian native is averaging 45.4 yards per punt right now, including eight punts inside the 20. He was instrumental in the game against Auburn with four punts inside the 20-yard line. There’s a reason why Wilson has been named to the Ray Guy Award watch list in four consecutive seasons.
The offense obviously doesn’t want to punt, but with Wilson, he can flip the field and make life easier on the defense. It’s been a joy to watch Wilson boot the football this early into the season.
Cody Henderson
I root for teams that only let me down. Talking all things Las Vegas Raiders and Cal Bears football. Follow me on X where I post my dramatic takes.