The California Golden Bears needed to address their off-ball linebacker position after losing their standout star, Teddye Buchanan, to the Baltimore Ravens in the 2025 NFL Draft. Buchanan had a great lone season with Cal, earning him a First-Team All-ACC selection in 2024. He recorded 114 tackles, 12 TFLs, five sacks, four pass deflections, and two forced fumbles in 13 games.
His absence will undoubtedly leave a void at the linebacker position. Because of this, the Golden Bears could add one in the spring portal.
The California Golden Bears secure the top linebacker
According to Hayes Fawcett, California landed former Oregon Ducks and BYU Cougars linebacker Harrison Taggart from the transfer portal for the 2025 season. As Fawcett points out, Taggart has two years of eligibility remaining. He was considered one of the best linebackers available in the portal.
BREAKING: BYU transfer LB Harrison Taggart has Committed to Cal, @on3sports has learned
The 6’1 235 LB totaled 69 Tackles, 1 Sack, 1 FF, 1 FR, 3 PD, & 1 INT last season
Started his career at Oregon
2 years of eligibility lefthttps://t.co/RlUbB6EMhS pic.twitter.com/XKgyRDjzDt
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 2, 2025
He spent the last two seasons with BYU
After spending the first year of his college career with the Oregon Ducks, Harrison Taggart transferred to the BYU Cougars for the 2023 season. Taggart has a solid stint with BYU, recording 97 tackles, four TFLs, one sack, one interception, three pass deflections, and one forced fumble in 24 games. He saw the most playing time in 2024 and made the most of the opportunity.
Taggart had a solid 2024 campaign, posting career-highs in tackles, TFLs, interceptions, pass deflections, and forced fumbles. He recorded 69 tackles, three TFLs, one sack, one interception, three pass deflections, and one forced fumble in 12 games. He also posted eight pressures, 24 stops, and allowed 49 passing yards per PFF.
