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Top JUCO cornerback Alius Mayo commits to Cal, turning down multiple Power Five offers

Alius Mayo, the nation’s leading junior-college cornerback, announced his commitment to the University of California, Berkeley on Aug. 2.

On August 2, Alius Mayo, rated the nation’s top JUCO prospect at cornerback, declared his intention to join the California Golden Bears. The 6-foot-4, 190-pound player, a Lincoln High School alumnus, posted impressive stats at Modesto Junior College, including five interceptions in his freshman season, and was named to the All-Valley Conference first team. After considering offers from Alabama, LSU, Arizona State, Mississippi State, Stanford, Washington and several California schools, Mayo selected Cal, citing proximity to family and the newly assembled staff under first-year head coach Tosh Lupoi, offensive coordinator Jordan Somerville and defensive coordinator Michael Hutchings.

He plans to enroll in January 2027 to get a head start before spring practice. Beyond football, Mayo expressed enthusiasm for the campus environment and the broader Berkeley experience.

Why it matters

Cal secures the nation’s top junior-college cornerback, boosting its defense and recruiting profile.

In this story

Alius MayoCal footballTosh Lupoiearly enrollmentcornerbackBerkeleyrecruitingAll-Valley Conference