What's Happening?
The California Golden Bears have added a home game against the Pittsburgh Panthers to their 2026 ACC football schedule. This change comes as part of the ACC's new scheduling rule, which increases the number of conference games from eight to nine starting in 2026. The addition of Pittsburgh means Cal will host five ACC home games, including matchups against Clemson, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech, and Stanford. The Bears' 2026 schedule will not include games against Miami or Duke, the latter being the current ACC champion.
Why It's Important?
The revised schedule is crucial for Cal as it provides a potentially favorable lineup of opponents, which could enhance their chances of a successful season. Playing more home games could offer a competitive advantage, allowing
the team to capitalize on familiar conditions and home crowd support. The absence of powerhouse teams like Miami and Duke from their schedule might also improve Cal's prospects in the ACC standings. This scheduling change reflects broader strategic adjustments within the ACC to balance competition and enhance the conference's overall appeal.
What's Next?
Cal will need to decide which nonconference game to eliminate from their 2026 schedule, with options including UCLA, BYU, Wagner, and UNLV. The team will also focus on preparing for their final game of the 2025 season against Hawaii in the Hawaii Bowl. Looking ahead, Cal will aim to leverage their new schedule to build momentum and improve their performance in the ACC. The team's management and coaching staff will continue to strategize on player development and game tactics to maximize their competitive edge.
