Redshirt freshman tight end McCallan Castles announced his entry into the NCAA’s transfer portal on Wednesday. 

#NextChapter pic.twitter.com/nzx1QdYU22

— McCallan Castles (@McCallanCastles) September 12, 2019

Head coach Justin Wilcox kicked off his post-practice press conference on Wednesday with a brief statement on Castles’ decision. 

“McCallan Castles has left the program and we wish him nothing but the best,” Wilcox said. 

At 6’5” and 235 pounds, the Bears envisioned Castles spearheading Cal’s offensive attack at his position. He departs the program with just one career catch — a 15-yard reception in the 2018 Cheez-It Bowl.

After being named a starter for Cal’s season-opener against UC Davis, Castles had already begun to surrender playing time to redshirt sophomores Jake Tonges and Gavin Reinwald, who are expected to split the majority of reps at the tight end position in Castles’ absence.