Alius Mayo Chooses Cal Over Alabama in Top JUCO Recruit Commitment

Alius Mayo, the nation's No. 1 junior‑college defensive back prospect for the 2027 recruiting class, announced his commitment to the California Golden Bears, turning down offers from Alabama, LSU, Mississippi State and Arizona State. Mayo, a 6‑foot‑4, 190‑pound cornerback from Modesto Junior College, impressed scouts with a 44‑inch vertical and a strong sophomore season record. He visited Cal on June 12 and Alabama on June 18 before deciding to stay in Northern California, aligning with coach Tosh Lupoi’s goal of retaining local talent.

Mayo’s commitment gives Cal its only junior‑college addition for 2027 and adds to a modest roster of JUCO transfers, while the Crimson Tide lose a key defensive back prospect they had pursued since June. The decision highlights the impact of recent NCAA eligibility rule changes that make junior‑college transfers more attractive to Power‑Five programs.