Clemson vs. California: brought an intriguing ACC matchup to Berkeley on Friday night, with both teams entering at 2-1 and 1-0 in conference play. The game marked Clemson’s first visit to the West Coast since the ACC expanded across the country and gave Cal its first home conference game of the 2026 season.
For Clemson, the trip carried extra significance beyond the conference standings. The Tigers had not played a regular-season game in California before this visit, while Cal was looking to make the most of a rare prime-time home opportunity against one of the ACC’s most recognizable Clemson vs. California programs.
Clemson vs. California: TV Channel and Start Time
The matchup was scheduled for Friday, Sept. 25, at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley. Kickoff was set for 7:30 p.m. Pacific time, or 10:30 p.m. Eastern. ESPN carried the national television Clemson vs. Californiabroadcast.
| Detail | Information |
| Date | Friday, Sept. 25 |
| Kickoff | 7:30 p.m. PT / 10:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
The late start was particularly Clemson vs. California notable for Clemson fans. The 10:30 p.m. Eastern kickoff was the Tigers’ latest start in their home time zone since a 1982 game against Wake Forest played in Tokyo.
How to Stream Clemson vs. Cal
Fans watching without a traditional cable package could follow the game through ESPN’s digital platforms. Clemson Athletics listed the ESPN App among its official viewing options, while Cal’s game Clemson vs. California coverage also directed viewers to ESPN.
The game also offered radio coverage for listeners who preferred to follow the action away from a screen. Cal listed 810 AM, SiriusXM Channel 81 and the Varsity Network among its audio options.
Why This ACC Game Matters
Both teams entered the night with identical 2-1 records and had already opened ACC play with victories, making the Friday meeting an early conference Clemson vs. California measuring stick.
The matchup also had historical value. Clemson and Cal had met only once before, in the 1992 Florida Citrus Bowl, when California won 37-13. Friday’s game was Clemson vs. California their first meeting as ACC opponents and the first regular-season matchup between the programs.
For Clemson, the road trip came after wins over Georgia Southern and North Carolina following an opening loss at LSU. Cal, meanwhile, was beginning its home ACC schedule with the chance to establish itself against a high-profile opponent Clemson vs. California.
Clemson’s West Coast History
Clemson’s connection to California includes one of the biggest wins in program history. The Tigers defeated Alabama 44-16 in Santa Clara in January 2019 to win the national Clemson vs. California championship for the 2018 season.
That victory was Clemson’s most recent game in the state before the trip to Berkeley. The Tigers had also played Pacific in 1951 and USC in 1966, making the Cal matchup only their fourth game in California.
FAQ
What time did Clemson vs. California start?
The game was scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Pacific time and 10:30 p.m. Eastern on Friday, Sept. 25.
What channel showed Clemson vs. Cal?
ESPN carried the Clemson-California game nationally, with streaming available through ESPN’s digital platforms.
Where was Clemson vs. California played?
The game was played at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, California, with Cal serving as the home team.
