Duke vs California Picks and Predictions for Saturday, October 4, 2025

By: David Anicetti Updated 10/03/2025, 11:17 PM ET

The Duke Blue Devils visit the California Golden Bears on Saturday at California Memorial Stadium, with the opening kickoff at 10:30 PM ET on ESPN. Duke is 3–2 overall and 2–0 in the ACC after a 38–3 win at Syracuse. California is 4–1 and 1–0 in the ACC following a 28–24 win at Boston College. Saturday success begins with free college football picks you can rely on.

Duke Preview

Quarterback Darian Mensah has been productive with 1,573 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and only two interceptions while completing 69% of his throws. Cooper Barkate leads the receivers with 409 yards and three scores, while Sahmir Hagans and Andrel Anthony have combined for 365 yards and seven touchdown receptions. On the ground, Nate Sheppard has 356 yards, and Anderson Castle has gained 235 with four touchdowns.

Defensively, Caleb Weaver leads the Blue Devils with 36 tackles, and Vincent Anthony Jr. has recorded five sacks. Duke has won two straight ACC games, scoring 83 combined points. The balance between Mensah’s passing and a steady run game has kept the offense moving the chains.

California Preview

Quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has thrown for 1,242 yards with eight touchdowns and four interceptions. Trond Grizzell leads the receivers with 344 yards, while Jacob De Jesus has added 245 yards and two scores. Running back Kendrick Raphael leads the ground attack with 347 yards and two touchdowns.

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On defense, Cade Uluave leads the team with 40 tackles, and Hezekiah Masses has been a difference-maker in the secondary with four interceptions. California has bounced back after a shutout loss to San Diego State by winning two straight, including a close conference road victory at Boston College.

Duke vs California Prediction

Duke enters this matchup with more firepower and stronger quarterback play. California’s defense has forced turnovers, but the Blue Devils’ balanced offense should be too much for the Bears to slow down over four quarters. Final Score Prediction: Duke Blue Devils win and cover ATS 28–23.