Cal Loses Three-Star Running Back AJ Sanders III, Sixth 2027 Recruit to Withdraw Commitment

Sanders withdraws his commitment

Sanders, a 6-foot, 205-pound prospect from C.E. King High School in Houston, Texas, committed to Cal in April. He had offers from LSU, Texas A&M, Alabama, Florida State, Houston, Missouri and other schools before choosing the Bears.

Six players have de-committed

Sanders is the sixth player from Cal’s 2027 class to leave his commitment. The other high school prospects are tight end Rahzario Edwards, now committed to Mississippi; safety Myles Baker, committed to UCLA; offensive tackle Amaziah Siale, committed to LSU; and linebacker Broncs Baker, committed to West Virginia.

The sixth player is defensive back Alius May, the top-rated junior college prospect, who committed to Georgia. Broncs Baker had committed under former head coach Justin Wilcox; the other players had pledged to current head coach Tosh Lupoi.

Class rankings and quarterback status

Cal’s class ranks 23rd nationally and fourth in the ACC in the 247Sports Composite. Rivals’ Industry Composite places it 25th nationally and fourth in the conference. Four-star quarterback Dane Weber remains committed to Cal, though the article reports he had been wavering as UCLA pursued him. Commitments are not binding until a player signs, and the earliest 2027 recruits can sign is December 2, the first day of the early signing period.

Rushing struggles and team record

Cal ranks 137th among 138 FBS teams in rushing yards per game, averaging 82.8. Its 3.02 yards per carry are better than those of only three teams nationally.

The Bears are 3-6 ahead of Saturday’s road game against Virginia, which is 4-5. Cal has lost three consecutive games, each by a lopsided margin.