Tosh Lupoi has been the fan-favorite pick to take over for Justin Wilcox. Reports indicate that the Oregon Ducks’ defensive coordinator, a Cal alumnus, will become the next head coach for the California Golden Bears. The school has yet to make an official announcement, but Lupoi is already spreading his recruiting net in his new base. 

“After a great conversation with my guy @CoachLup I’m blessed to receive an offer from @CalFootball #GoBears,” wrote Rashad Streets, class of 2027 defensive end, on December 4.

Back in November, four-star EDGE out of Raleigh’s Millbrook High chopped his list down to a standout dozen. The North Carolina pass rusher explained to Rivals why each school made the cut and which five programs have already pulled ahead of the pack.

He was down to the following: Oregon Ducks, Clemson Tigers, Michigan Wolverines, Nebraska Cornhuskers, and several others. However, Lupoi’s commit had his priorities sorted. Streets had put Dan Lanning’s Ducks at the top.

“They’re really consistent to me, there’s something about them,” he clarified the reason. “I really like their fit. I’ve talked to the outside linebacker coach, DC, the head coach.”

It’s now easier to connect the dots to why Oregon landed on Streets’ trash list. After all, Lupoi, the big reason behind his Ducks’ interest, is now headed to California.

“Sources: Cal has agreed in principle to a 5-year deal to make Tosh Lupoi the school’s next head coach,” reported ESPN analyst Pete Thamel on December 4. “The school is expected to announce the deal in the near future.”

They’d better roll out something grand, because Lupoi’s résumé is loud. After four seasons dialing up Oregon’s defense, the Ducks’ coordinator is now coming home to run the show at his alma mater. Under his watch, Oregon sits top-three nationally in total defense and pass defense, top-10 in scoring defense, and top-20 against the run. 

Additionally, he is a two-time Broyles Award semifinalist, which lends the coach credibility on a hardware level. The fact that Oregon was threatened about Lupoi getting poached, the head coach, Dan Lanning, took it in good spirits. 

“The first thing I always tell them is just remind you that the reason this opportunity came is that you’re really good at your job,” he said. “If it makes sense for our coaches and they’re interested in the opportunity, I want them to be able to pursue it.”

No need for Oregon fans to hit the panic button just yet. Offensive coordinator Will Stein, who’s already been unveiled as Kentucky Wildcats’ new head coach. Just like him, Lupoi will be pulling double duty. Even with his commitment to Cal, he’s sticking around to ride with the Ducks through the College Football Playoff.

Here came the seal of approval from someone special.

An NFL voice backed Josh Tupoi

Lupoi is a Cal alum, has been an Oregon coach, and has expressed interest in the Golden Bears’ head coaching position. Yet one of the loudest endorsements came from the Nebraska Cornhuskers alum and NFL veteran Will Compton.

“I’ve been a big fan of Coach Tosh since we’ve gotten to know their program at Oregon over the last couple of years,” Compton wrote on X, supporting Lupoi’s move to Cal. “Seeing him in talks for the Cal job, I feel it’s a no-brainer. Dude grew up there. Played there in their prime years. And had his first coaching job there. Being the man home!!”

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What about the ones Lupoi beat in the race to claim the throne in the Golden Bears? 

On Cal’s list, other than the Oregon’s defensive mastermind, was the former head coach of the Tennessee Titans, Brian Callahan, who was fired in October. Next up on the list was Bob Chesney, who won everywhere, including at the FCS, Division II, and Division III levels.

Names like Stein, Tim Plough, the son of former NFL head coach Norv Turner, Scott Turner, were also on the list. But reportedly, Lupoi’s luck favored. The new coach was welcomed with great news. 

Significantly, Cal reeled in 17 high school signees for the 2026 class on Wednesday, December 3. It included a pair of four-star talents, despite the program being technically coachless.

With the early signing period opening, the Bears are still waiting to make it official. Tosh Lupoi, however, might already consider himself to be lucky amidst such a victory on the recruiting trail.