Boston College running back Turbo Richard (2) is tackled by California linebacker Luke Ferrelli (41) during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Chestnut Hill, Mass. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)
Linebacker Luke Ferrelli, the Atlantic Coast Conference defensive rookie of the year with Cal this season, is heading to Clemson.
Ferrelli, the Bears’ standout freshman who helped anchor their defense with 91 tackles, reposted an On3 X post announcing his transfer and added the message, “Tiger nation, let’s roll.”
Ferrelli’s biggest play for the Bears (7-6) was a game-saving interception at the goal line with 19 seconds left in a 28-24 win on the road against Boston College on Sept. 27. Ferrelli and junior Cade Uluave were one of the ACC’s best linebacker duos. Uluave has also entered the transfer portal.
Fellow ex-Cal standout linebacker Ryan McCulloch, meanwhile, is officially committed to UCLA, the Southern California News Group confirmed. McCulloch was one of about 20 transfer portal entrants arriving in Westwood this past weekend to greet new Bruins coach Bob Chesney.
McCulloch, who before starring in Berkeley played at the historically small Rio Hondo Prep in Arcadia, joins his former Golden Bears outside linebackers coach Vic So’oto with the Bruins after So’oto was named as UCLA linebackers coach last week. He joins an edge rushers group in need of a boost after ranking dead last in tackles for loss and sacks in 2025.
The 6-3, 255-pound edge rusher tallied 1.5 sacks during a four-game stint on the field in 2025, where McCulloch dealt with injuries that kept him off the field.
The former three-star recruit coming out of high school, played in 26 games across three seasons for Cal and has at least two years of eligibility remaining.
Originally published at Staff and wire reports