Cal vs. Texas Southern 2025: Keys to the Game and Predictions

After last week’s win against Oregon State, it’s a Cal vs. Texas Southern showdown for the 2025 home opener for the Bears in Week 2. A hot start is exactly what this team needs to continue building momentum around the recent media hype surrounding true freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele. 1-0 feels a lot better than 0-1, and now California has a great opportunity to remain undefeated through the first two games of the season.

California Golden Bears vs. Texas Southern Tigers: Matchup History

This will be the very first matchup ever between Cal and Texas Southern. The last time Cal played against another HBCU was all the way back in 2015 when they defeated Grambling State University by a score of 73-14.

One thing about HBCU schools that Cal fans will appreciate is that they typically have a great band, and Texas Southern has one of the best bands in the country. I’m looking forward to seeing a collaboration between the Bears and Tigers Bands at halftime.

Cal vs. Texas Southern 2025: Keys to the Game and Predictions

Key Players for Cal

Wide receiver Trond Grizzell is the definition of what it means to be loyal. With all of the noise this offseason about players leaving the program, Trond decided to stayed loyal to the one that recruited him. And, he showed out in a big way last weekend.

Grizzell was the leading receiver for the Bears, hauling in five passes for 83 yards and a touchdown. One of the biggest questions entering Week 1 was which wide receivers would be JKS’s go-to targets. It appears that Grizzell is one of those wide receivers. Expect the chemistry between the veteran wideout and freshman quarterback to continue to grow. This could be another big game for Trond.

There’s another true freshman on the Cal roster who will be making his second start this weekend as well. True freshman safety Aiden Manutai racked up three total tackles in his collegiate debut against the Beavers. Texas Southern is going to reach deep into their bag of tricks, and the young safety will probably be tested early. It’s a great sign that Justin Wilcox – who notoriously always has a great secondary – trusts Manutai to hold it down despite his lack of experience. It certainly isn’t easy to follow in the footsteps of Craig Woodson, but Manutai is off to a good start.

Key Players for Texas Southern

Like Cal, Texas Southern also has a good safety in their hands. Joel Williams has great size for a defensive back and played incredibly well in the Tigers’ first game. He racked up 10 total tackles along with an interception. Given the opponent, Cal will likely attack the secondary deep in this game. JKS needs to be aware of Williams floating around deep in the secondary. Williams is a gambler and will sell out when he can to jump a route. He’s definitely someone that the offensive coaching staff has to be paying attention to at all times.

The Tigers’ offense certainly didn’t light it up last weekend against Prairie View. One player on offense did have a good game, though, and that is sophomore wide receiver Roriyon Richardson.

Texas Southern only threw for a total of 132 yards last game, but Richardson accounted for 75 of those yards. He can blow past defenses and can be crafty with his route running in the open field. Richardson definitely poses as a threat to the secondary, and the Cal defensive backs cannot let him go free.

How Cal Wins in Week 2

I hate to say that games can be overlooked. After all, we see major upsets every year in college football. However, this isn’t going to be one of those games.

Cal has the advantage everywhere across the board. Texas Southern definitely has some playmakers, but no one who can completely take over the game.

With that said, it will be interesting to see if Cal jumps out to a big lead early, whether they bring in some backups to get reps? Either way, Cal fans should feel very confident about this team starting 2-0 and getting a lopsided win against Texas Southern.

Prediction: Cal 56 Texas Southern 13