Cal’s Buchanan ready to take next step | 2025 NFL Draft film review
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Former Cal linebacker Teddye Buchanan (pictured at the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl) posted eight interceptions at UC Davis prior to arriving in Berkeley.
Former California linebacker Teddye Buchanan quickly made the transition from the FCS level. As a second-team All-Big Sky performer at UC Davis, Buchanan was lethal in pass coverage. The Big Sky All-Academic performer and team captain tallied three interceptions in back-to-back seasons (2022-23).
His overall range in pass coverage is defined by a quick ability to read through formations in the pre-snap. During 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl practices, Buchanan identified routes to his blind shoulder and often matched them crossing the field (see video below).
In 2024, the first-team All-ACC linebacker had four double-digit tackle performances. His 15-tackle performance against NC State in October featured two tackles for loss and one pass breakup. Perhaps just as notable has been his penchant for getting to the quarterback as a blitz threat (see in video below).
California head coach Justin Wilcox has always been known for an ability to create confusion for opponents. His plan for Buchanan resulted in more sacks this past season (five) than he had in his entire career at UC Davis (four).
The Bears defense finished second in the ACC in opponent third down conversions while also tying for 32nd nationally (LSU, Louisville) in quarterback sacks (34).
Our feature on Buchanan explores the techniques he uses to defeat running backs. We also cover his special teams upside and some areas of potential improvement.
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