Friday night’s late kick in Berkeley puts Clemson in unfamiliar territory: a short week, a cross-country trip, and a 10:30 p.m. ET kickoff against California on ESPN.
Although the Tigers are slim favorites after edging out North Carolina, my Clemson vs. California prediction and college football picks break down why the home team should come out on top in a high-scoring affair on Sept. 25.
Who will win Clemson vs California: California moneyline
Give me the California moneyline up to 55%. This is a terrible spot for Clemson, which is playing its first late-night West Coast ACC game since Cal and Stanford joined the conference in 2024.
The Tigers' cover as 3-point favorites in last week's 28-20 win over North Carolina was misleading, as was California's 45-24 loss as a 2.5-point underdog to UCLA.
UNC led 17-15 before a two-and-a-half-hour weather delay, and Clemson didn't put the game away until adding a 34-yard touchdown with one minute remaining after the Tar Heels turned it over on downs.
Meanwhile, the Bears were tied with UCLA after three quarters before getting outscored 21-0 in the fourth. California quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele also got hurt in that game and had to sit out a few plays.
COVERS INTEL: California is 4-1-1 to the Over as a home underdog since joining the ACC, with an average margin of +11.5 points against the total.
TOP PICK
Clemson vs California Over/Under pick: Over 50.5
51 O/U is the second-most important key number in college football, with 52 also serving as a secondary key number, making the 50.5 total particularly appealing.
The Tigers have cluster injuries along their interior defensive line, with DT Devarrick Woods listed as questionable. Clemson CB Corian Gipson is also questionable, which will be an issue against a California offense averaging 41.3 pass attempts per game.
On the other side, the Tigers appear to have found their quarterback in Tait Reynolds, who should also get a boost from his ground game against a Bears defense allowing 5.3 yards per carry. That'll open up some deep shots for Clemson's passing attack.
Clemson vs California combo
Clemson will need a quarter to shake off the West Coast travel, while California’s offense has been similarly quiet early, making the first-quarter Under a strong opener.
From there, the matchup favors points, with both defenses vulnerable on the ground and Clemson dealing with injuries up front.
If Cal hangs around offensively, it has a real path to the outright upset.
Clemson vs California combo
- California moneyline
- Over 50.5
- Under 7.5 first-quarter
- Top picks: 6-9, -4.38 units
- Combos: 2-13, -7.25 units
Clemson vs California odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Spread: Clemson -1.5 | California +1.5
- Over/Under: Over 50.5 (53%) | Under 50.5 (52%)
- Moneyline: Clemson 53% | California 52%
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Clemson vs California weather
Friday night's forecast in Berkeley, California, calls for a temperature of 64°F, winds of 7 mph, and no rain.
Check out our college football weather page for up-to-date info on every matchup.
Clemson vs California trend to know
The Tigers have hit the Over in two of their first three games this season. Find more college football betting trends for Clemson vs. California.
How to watch Clemson vs California
| Location | California Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, Calif. |
| Date | Friday, Sept. 25, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 10:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Clemson vs California latest injuries
Check out our college football injuries page for updates on every team.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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