The California Golden Bears are set to kick off the bowl season for the Atlantic Coast Conference as they take on No. 24 UNLV in the Art of Sport LA Bowl hosted by Gronk on December 18. This will be the second meeting between the two teams, with Cal holding a 1-0 advantage. Cal, in its first season after joining the ACC, is making their second straight bowl appearance. The team’s defense is led by standout players Nohl Williams and Teddye Buchanan. Williams, a First-Team All-American, has seven interceptions this season, while Buchanan has recorded 112 tackles.
UNLV, coached by interim head coach Del Alexander following Barry Odom’s departure to Purdue, finished the season with a 10-3 record and is looking to secure its first bowl victory since 2000. The Rebels are ranked No. 24 in all three polls and are aiming to cap off their successful season with a win. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN with Bob Wischusen, Louis Riddick, and Kris Budden on the call. Cal is scheduled to make a return trip to Las Vegas in 2026 to complete the home-and-home series with UNLV. The matchup is expected to be an exciting start to the bowl season for both teams.
Source
Photo credit theacc.com