California starting QB projections 2024: Who will be Justin Wilcox's QB1?

California is aiming to improve on its 6-6 record in 2023 and potentially stay in the winning column this coming season. The program will likely proceed with the same starting quarterback from last year's campaign.

It's important to note that picking the right quarterback will be crucial to Justin Wilcox's program. So, here are the California Golden Bears' starting quarterback projections for 2024.

Who will be Justin Wilcox's QB1 in 2024?

Fernando Mendoza

Fernando Mendoza started the last eight games of the Golden Bears' 2023 season, sealing his place as the program's incumbent starter. Hence, Mendoza enters the 2024 campaign with the QB1 spot on lock.

Mendoza amassed a stat line of 1,708 yards, 14 touchdown passes, and 10 interceptions last year. He added 48 rushes for 92 yards and two rushing touchdowns for good measure.

Mendoza earned some awards in 2023, including an honorable mention for Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year, Phil Steele's All-Pac-12 Fourth Team, and a spot on the Pac-12 Fall Academic Honor Roll. He also had three games with a rating of 157.2 or higher.

Chandler Rogers

Chandler Rogers is joining the California Golden Bears to compete with their existing quarterbacks. Rogers has been on four collegiate football programs: Southern Miss, Blinn College, Louisiana-Monroe, and North Texas.

Last season, Rogers put up a stat line of 3,382 yards, 29 touchdowns, and five interceptions for North Texas. He also added 109 rushes for 180 yards and four touchdowns.

He will put pressure on Mendoza in the 2024 college football season and it won't come as a surprise if Justin Wilcox makes the QB1 job up for grabs in the early stages of the upcoming season.

CJ Harris

CJ Harris is the final non-freshman quarterback on the Golden Bears' roster for the 2024 season. He is entering the year as the likely QB3.

Harris appeared in ten games during his stint with Ohio and joined California with a deep understanding of what it means to be an understudy at QB. He's on this roster for insurance purposes, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

The freshmen QBs on California's roster are Belay Brummel, EJ Caminong, Andrew Maushardt, and Brady Weingart. They'll seek knowledge from watching three college veterans ahead of them on the pecking order.