Although California began competing in intercollegiate football in 1886,[1] the school's official record book generally does not include entries from before the 1940s, as records from earlier times are often incomplete and inconsistent.
These lists are dominated by more recent players for several reasons:
Since the 1940s, seasons have increased from 10 games to 11 and then 12 games in length.
The NCAA didn't allow freshmen to play varsity football until
1972 (with the exception of the
World War II years), allowing players to have four-year careers.
Bowl games only began counting toward single-season and career statistics in 2002.[2] The Golden Bears have played in nine bowl games since this decision, giving many recent players an extra game to accumulate statistics.
California's 11 highest seasons in total offensive output have all come since 2003 under head coaches
Jeff Tedford and
Sonny Dykes. The 4 seasons under coach Dykes have been Cal's four highest passing yards seasons in school history, leading to quarterbacks
Jared Goff and
Davis Webb putting up unprecedented passing totals.
These lists are updated through the end of the
2020 season.
Although California began competing in intercollegiate football in 1886,[1] the school's official record book generally does not include entries from before the 1940s, as records from earlier times are often incomplete and inconsistent.
These lists are dominated by more recent players for several reasons:
Since the 1940s, seasons have increased from 10 games to 11 and then 12 games in length.
The NCAA didn't allow freshmen to play varsity football until
1972 (with the exception of the
World War II years), allowing players to have four-year careers.
Bowl games only began counting toward single-season and career statistics in 2002.[2] The Golden Bears have played in nine bowl games since this decision, giving many recent players an extra game to accumulate statistics.
California's 11 highest seasons in total offensive output have all come since 2003 under head coaches
Jeff Tedford and
Sonny Dykes. The 4 seasons under coach Dykes have been Cal's four highest passing yards seasons in school history, leading to quarterbacks
Jared Goff and
Davis Webb putting up unprecedented passing totals.
These lists are updated through the end of the
2020 season.