Cal lands first 2027 commitment from coveted in-state defensive lineman

Tosh Lupoi is hitting the ground running as Cal‘s new head coach, bringing in a slew of new transfers and getting in the mix with some of the nation’s top recruits.

On Friday, he got his first high school commitment since taking over in Berkeley, landing Sacramento-Grant three-star defensive lineman Giovanni Hodge. The 6-foot-5, 250-pounder chose the Bears over an offer list that included Washington, Arizona State, Arizona, Kansas, Boston College, UNLV, Oregon State, Washington State, Texas State, San Jose State, Sacramento State, Colorado State and San Diego State.

“I have gotten to know Coach Tosh since meeting him in Oregon,” Hodge told The Golden Bear Report’s Matt Moreno. “He’s very energetic and motivating. I love the Cal environment and being able to build a relationship has been beneficial as I have been to Cal a few times.”

Hodge was a priority for the previous Cal staff, but has also been one for Lupoi and Co. over the past few weeks.

As a junior this fall, Hodge broke out with 39 total tackles, seven tackles for loss and four sacks.

He ranks as the nation’s No. 529 overall prospect, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, an equally weighted average that utilizes all three major recruiting services. Hodge also checks in as the country’s No. 53 defensive lineman and No. 53 recruit in the state of California.

Bears quickly reshaping their roster

After a 7-6 reason and loss in the Hawaii Bowl, Lupoi has made quick work of overhauling what was left of the roster after Justin Wilcox’s firing. Thirty-four players transferred out, but they’ve swiftly been replaced with 31 newcomers, giving Cal a transfer class that ranks among the top-20 nationally in the On3 College Football Team Transfer Portal Rankings.

Pass-catchers to surround star freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele were among the top needs on the roster. And they found some in Rutgers transfer wideout Ian Strong, Ohio transfer receiver Chase Hendricks and former New Mexico tight end Dorian Thomas.

Strong was one of the Big Ten’s most productive receivers over the past two seasons, hauling in 95 catches for over 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns. Hendricks, meanwhile, led the MAC last season with 1,037 yards, while pulling in 71 catches and scoring seven times.

Thomas proved to be one of the nation’s top tight ends with 56 catches for 560 yards and four touchdowns during his lone season with the Lobos.