Prospect watch: Top defenders square off when San Diego State hosts Cal

Undefeated Cal travels to Snapdragon Stadium for Saturday’s game against San Diego State, and defensive prospects will be all over the field. Here’s a look at the top players to watch in Saturday’s 7:30 p.m. game:

Trey White, Edge, San Diego State, Jr.

White was named the preseason Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year. The San Diego native and former Eastlake High School standout also been named to watch lists for the Bednarik Award (most outstanding defensive player) and the Nagurski Trophy (national defensive player of the year), while his 12½ sacks last year were tied for the third-most in SDSU single-season history — behind only Mike Douglass (21 in 1976) and Brett Faryniarz (13 in 1987).Opposing offenses have focused on neutralizing him in 2025, and White has yet to record a sack in two games — though he does have an impressive six QB hurries through two games. He produced 20 hurries over 12 games last season, according to Pro Football Focus.

Cade Uluave, LB, California, Jr.

Uluave, arguably Cal’s best player, missed four games last season with a leg injury. He was named to Phil Steele’s Preseason All-American Team, as well as the Bednarik Award watch list. Uluave is a dynamic open-field tackler with elite instincts and could be one of the ACC’s best inside linebackers if he stays healthy. He finished with 11 tackles, including one tackle for loss, a QB hurry and one pass breakup, in a 31-10 victory over the Aztecs last year.

T.J. Bush Jr., Edge, California, Jr.

ESPN ranked Bush as the No. 11 player to enter the transfer portal during the spring window. He was a difference-maker for Liberty as a true freshman in 2023, and earned second-team All-Conference USA honors with 5½ sacks as a sophomore. Bush doesn’t have prototypical length for the edge rusher position, but he features an explosive burst and tenacity in pursuit of a QB. He has a sack in each of the last two games for the Bears.

Hezekiah Masses, CB, California, Sr.

Masses leads the nation in forced incompletions (seven) among all cornerbacks, according to PFSN College analytics, and his three interceptions are tied for the most in Division I FBS. The Florida International transfer features the size (6-foot-1, 185 pounds), mirroring ability and ball skills that NFL coaches covet.

EDDIE BROWN