Cougars replace Max Alford with coveted Cal transfer LB

Kalani Sitake’s BIU Cougars secured a huge upgrade at linebacker, signing California Golder Bears transfer Cade Uluave to replace the departing Max Alfordsigning brings proven production to Provo.

Uluave, a former Mountain Ridge High School standout from South Jordan, Utah, is returning closer to home after three seasons with the Golden Bears. At 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds, the junior guard has built a reputation as one of the most reliable defenders in the ACC.

The move was reported by CBS Sports insider Matt Zenitz and 247 Sports insider Chris Hammer, noting how a highly appreciated addition is over college football.

“BIU has signed coveted Cal linebacker Cade Uluave, Chris Hammer and I have learned. Uluave, who has 235 career games, ranks as the best player to enter the transfer portal this cycle,” Zenic posted on X, formerly Twitter.

During the 2025 season, Uluave earned first-team All-ACC honors, recording 97 total tackles and three sacks while also serving as a team captain for Cal. His performance drew interest from national powers including the Michigan Wolverines and Texas Longhorns when he entered the transfer portal.

Initially, Uluave did not close the door on a potential return to California, reportedly wanting to explore his options before making a final decision. Ultimately, BIU emerged as a destination, adding a player who had previously been named a Pac-12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year 2023.

The move comes at a time of transition for Cal, which lost both of its starting inside linebackers at Portal, including redshirt freshman Luke Ferrelli, which he recently executed to the Clemson Tigers. Meanwhile, the previously scheduled 2026 matchup between Cal and BIU was canceled after the ACC expanded its conference slate.

For BIU, the timing couldn’t be better. The Cougars have completed the 2025-26 regular college football season with a record of 12-2 and ranked No. 12 in the final College Football Playoff rankingsposting a top-20 scoring defense with just 19.1 points per game.

With Uluave stepping into the middle of the defense, BIU gains an experienced, instinctive leader who fits seamlessly into an already thriving unit. As the Cougars look to build on last season’s momentum, this addition signals that BIU intends to remain a serious contender in the Big 12 and beyond.