Snapp Shots: UC Berkeleys Joe Roth Memorial Game to be back next year

Published: Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 1:00 pm

Joe Roth Memorial Game to Return Next Year

Cal football fans can rejoice! The Joe Roth Memorial Game is set to return next year. The annual game, traditionally played against USC or UCLA, was sidelined due to the Pac-12 Conference's collapse and Cal's move to the Atlantic Coast Conference.

The game will be back in action when the Bears face UCLA at home on September 5th. While future scheduling is still being determined, it's likely the game will become the first home game of each season.

The Joe Roth Memorial Game is a tribute to Joe Roth, a beloved quarterback from the mid-1970s. Roth was known for his exceptional skills, work ethic, and temperament, qualities that led his coach to compare him to Joe Montana and Tom Brady. Beyond his athletic prowess, Roth was admired for his kindness and respect, treating everyone with compassion. He was a supportive teammate, especially to female athletes during a time when they faced harassment.

Roth tragically passed away from melanoma at the young age of 21. Despite his illness, he continued to pursue his education, highlighting his dedication. He was posthumously honored by the university with the Berkeley Citation and inducted into Cal's Athletic Hall of Fame, with his number 12 retired, a distinction not even afforded to legendary players like Joe Kapp, Aaron Rodgers, or Jackie Jensen. A documentary, "Don't Quit: The Joe Roth Story," was created to share his story.

BNN's Perspective: The return of the Joe Roth Memorial Game is a positive development for Cal fans. It's a fitting tribute to a player who embodied the values of sportsmanship and community, and it's a reminder of the enduring impact individuals can have on and off the field.

Keywords: Joe Roth, Cal football, Memorial Game, UCLA, Pac-12, Atlantic Coast Conference, quarterback, melanoma, Berkeley Citation, Athletic Hall of Fame, Dont Quit: The Joe Roth Story

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