Among the most overlooked clashes in Week 3, this late-night showdown features two unbeaten squads operating under the radar as Minnesota travels from the Big Ten to face California, now members of the ACC, with both programs relying on promising young signal-callers to maintain their perfect records.
Our Minnesota vs. Cal prediction details why this “after dark” encounter might be one of the best games of the week.
Minnesota vs. California Details
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025
- Game Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
- Location: California Memorial Stadium | Berkley, Calif.
- Predicted Weather at Kick: 71°, Clear
- How To Watch: ESPN
Minnesota vs. Cal Head-to-Head Record
The programs have clashed six times previously, with California holding a commanding 4-2 advantage in the all-time series. Both programs have consistently showcased explosive offensive capabilities throughout their history, as evidenced by their most recent encounters in 2006 and 2009, which combined for at least 56 total points in each contest.
College Football Predictions Week 3: Projecting Every Single Game Including Georgia vs. Tennessee
Minnesota endured a sluggish opening against Buffalo in Week 1 before exploding for a dominant 66-0 victory over Northwestern State last Saturday, while California has impressed early thanks to the breakout performance of quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who has guided the Golden Bears to 69 combined points across wins over Oregon State and Texas Southern.
Minnesota vs. Cal Grades
PFSN College OFFi
- Minnesota (79.61, C+)
- Cal (73.17, C)
PFSN College DEFi
- Minnesota (97.39, A+)
- Cal (91.28, A-)
PFSN College OLi
- Minnesota (73.0, C)
- Cal (72.29, C-)
PFSN College QBi
- Drake Lindsey (N/A)
- Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (68.0, D+)
PFSN College RBi
- Darius Taylor (N/A)
- Kendrick Raphael (77.6, C+)
PFSN College WRi
- Javon Tracy (N/A)
- Mark Hamper (74.15, C)
PFSN College TEi
- Julian Johnson (67.66, D+)
- Mason Mini (76.15, C)
PFSN College EDGEi
- Antony Smith (N/A)
- TJ Bush Jr. (78.41, C+)
PFSN College DTi
- Rushawn Lawrence (69.41, D+)
- TJ Bollers (78.57, C+)
PFSN College LBi
- Maverick Baranowski (N/A)
- Luke Ferrelli (86.23, B)
PFSN College CBi
- John Nestor (74.23, C)
- Brent Austin (94.24, A)
PFSN College SAFi
- Koi Perich (72.54, C-)
- Isaiah Crosby (84.83, B)
Minnesota vs. Cal Prediction
Both teams can relate to each other — their young quarterbacks have started strong, and their defenses are tough as nails. This game should come down to which young signal-caller can handle the pressure of facing the other team’s defense.
Still not over some of these throws from Cal true freshman QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele https://t.co/ernnWtja8e pic.twitter.com/f85Ox6d2St
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) September 2, 2025
Sagapolutele and Drake Lindsey have fanbases that believe their offenses can be electric, and they’ve displayed exciting traits thus far. Lindsey has faced a tough defense in Buffalo, where Sagapolutele has not. For that reason, I give the Gophers a slight edge.
Prediction: Minnesota 24, California 20
