San Jose State, Cal to meet in football for first time since 1996

San Jose State and Cal are renewing their football series that has been dormant since 1996, the schools announced on Thursday.

On Sept. 9, 2028, Cal will play host to the Spartans.

On Sept. 13, 2031, the Bears will travel to San Jose State.

“It has been over three decades since we played the Golden Bears, and I know our fans will be excited to see this Bay Area rivalry rekindled,” San Jose State athletic director Jeff Konya said in a statement. “I am appreciative that the two institutions were able to secure a sensible, regional, and attractive series for the Bay Area.”

The teams have met on 35 previous occasions but just once at San Jose State, the 1996 game that Cal won 45-25.

The Bears are 29-6 against the South Bay school.

Cal also announced that it will play a home game against Wagner, a Football Championship Subdivision school, on Sept. 19, 2026.

San Jose State will play four non-conference home games in 2031 for the first time, the school said. In addition to Cal, the Spartans will face Chattanooga, Washington State and Rice at CEFCU Stadium.