Cal linebacker Teddye Buchanan set to face off against former teammates
Teddye Buchanan is trying to approach Saturday’s game against UC Davis as “just another game,” but it’s clear the stakes are different. Buchanan, set to make his debut as Cal’s starting inside linebacker, spent the past four seasons playing for UC Davis. This weekend, the Aggies will be on the opposing sideline at Memorial Stadium.
“I think it’ll be fun and a good challenge,” Buchanan said. “I respect those guys and know a lot of them, but I have to treat it like any other game because we’re here to win.”
A San Francisco St. Ignatius Prep alum, Buchanan holds no hard feelings toward his former teammates.
“They’ve been really supportive,” he said of their response to his transfer. “There’s no bad blood at all.”
Cal head coach Justin Wilcox is pleased with Buchanan joining the team.
“We’re glad to have him on our side instead of playing against him,” Wilcox remarked.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and 235 pounds, Buchanan will team up with Cade Uluave, the reigning Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year, to form a formidable linebacker duo for Cal.
Uluave praises Buchanan’s impact on the team.
“Teddye is a beast. He’s big, fast, strong, and physical. I can’t wait to play alongside him,” Uluave said. “He’s also a funny guy who brings great energy to the room. We’re both ready to dominate.”
Buchanan led UC Davis last season with 71 tackles and three interceptions. Over his four seasons, he racked up 208 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and eight interceptions in 36 games. ESPN recently named him one of 32 nationwide sleeper players poised to surprise fans.
Cal’s coaches aren’t surprised by his talent, remembering Buchanan from two years ago when he had eight tackles and an interception in Cal’s 34-13 win over UC Davis.
“He’s an impressive player physically, and we knew that from playing against him,” Wilcox said. “But what stands out more is his approach. He’s a true professional—driven, motivated, and accountable.”
Defensive coordinator Peter Sirmon has been particularly impressed with how quickly Buchanan has adapted to Cal’s defensive system.
“Teddye’s maturity and focus in the meeting room have been exceptional,” Sirmon said. “Props to UC Davis for developing a great football player.”
Wilcox understands Buchanan’s mixed emotions but says it’s common in the era of player transfers.
“With the transfer portal, this kind of situation happens often. Players are bound to face their former teams more frequently,” he noted.
