Registration Details and Schedule for 2026 Cal Poly Football Camps

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo offers a variety of football camps throughout the summer months, catering to different age groups, skill levels, and athletic goals. For the 2026 season, the university has scheduled its flagship "Clash on the Coast" sessions and partnered with external organizations to host intensive contact camps. These programs are distinct from the Cal Poly Mustangs' collegiate fall training camp, which serves the university’s NCAA Division I team.

For individuals looking to refine their technique, teams seeking cohesion, or high school prospects aiming to showcase their talent in front of the Mustang coaching staff, understanding the specific dates, costs, and registration requirements is essential for a successful summer experience on the Central Coast.

Clash on the Coast: University-Run Prospect and Team Camps

The "Clash on the Coast" series is the primary instructional and talent identification program operated directly by the Cal Poly football coaching staff. These sessions take place on the university campus at the Lower Sports Complex and are designed to align with NCAA regulations regarding recruitment and skill development.

Session 1 Dates and Structure

The first session of the 2026 summer series is scheduled for early June.

• Team Camp: June 6, 2026. This session is designed for high school programs to compete in a structured environment under the observation of collegiate coaches.
• Prospect Camp: June 7, 2026. This individual-focused day is open to high school students and specialists, including kickers, punters, and snappers.

Session 2 Dates and Structure

For those unable to attend the early June dates, a second session is offered later in the month.

• Team Camp: June 27, 2026.
• Prospect Camp: June 28, 2026.

Costs and Registration Deadlines

The pricing structure remains consistent across both sessions to ensure accessibility for local and traveling athletes.

• Team Camp Cost: $500 per school.
• Prospect Camp Cost: $100 per individual athlete.

Registration for these camps must be completed online in advance, as there is no on-site registration allowed on the day of the event. For Session 1, the registration portal typically closes on June 1st. For Session 2, the deadline is June 22nd. Given the popularity of these sessions among California and West Coast high school players, capacity is often reached well before the official deadlines.

Contact Information for Operations

For specific inquiries regarding the schedule or logistical operations of the university-run camps, Jeff Shuman serves as the primary point of contact. He can be reached via email at jeshuman@calpoly.edu for clarification on group rates or specific positional questions.

Nike Contact Football Camp at Cal Poly

While the university staff runs the "Clash on the Coast," Cal Poly also hosts the Nike Contact Football Camp, an independently operated program by US Sports Camps. This camp utilizes Cal Poly’s premier facilities but is managed by a different coaching roster, often featuring coaches from various collegiate levels and professional backgrounds.

Summer 2026 Dates and Age Requirements

The Nike Contact Football Camp at Cal Poly is scheduled for July 20–23, 2026. This four-day intensive program is specifically designed for boys aged 13 to 17.

Camp Options: Day vs. Overnight

One of the distinguishing features of the Nike camp is the flexibility in attendance options:

• Overnight Camp: Athletes stay in the Cal Poly on-campus dormitories, providing a holistic collegiate experience. This includes all meals at the university dining halls and evening social activities.
• Day Camp: Running from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, this option is ideal for local residents or families staying in the San Luis Obispo area. Day campers are generally responsible for their own lunches.

Focus and Equipment

Unlike the "Clash on the Coast" which often focuses on non-contact prospect drills, the Nike camp is a "contact" camp. This means players are expected to bring full pads and helmets. The curriculum emphasizes proper tackling technique and concussion safety, using slow-progression contact drills to ensure player welfare while maintaining high-intensity training.

Cal Poly Mustangs Fall Training Camp and Fan Events

For fans and supporters of the Cal Poly Mustangs, the term "football camp" often refers to the NCAA team's preparation for the upcoming season. While this is not a participatory camp for the general public, it offers unique opportunities for the community to engage with the team.

Timeline and Location

The Mustangs typically open their fall training camp in late July or early August at Mustang Memorial Field (presented by Dignity Health French Hospital at Spanos Stadium). This involves approximately 20 practices over a three-week period. Practices usually run from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Monday through Saturday.

Public Access and Scrimmages

The coaching staff frequently opens specific practices to the media and fans. Two key dates to watch for in the late summer are:

1. The Kids Huddle Event: Usually held in mid-August, this event allows younger fans to interact with players on the field, participate in light drills, and get autographs.
2. Fall Scrimmages: Typically held toward the end of camp (often around August 22nd), these full-speed scrimmages provide the first look at the depth chart and newcomer talent before the season opener.

Newcomer Integration

Training camp is the critical period for integrating transfers and freshmen into Head Coach Paul Wulff’s system. With recent rosters featuring over 40 newcomers across various positions, the camp serves as a high-stakes environment where veteran players compete to maintain their starting roles against incoming talent from both the FBS and high school ranks.

Position-Specific Training at Cal Poly Football Camps

Whether attending the prospect camps or the Nike sessions, athletes can expect a deep dive into positional mechanics. The Cal Poly environment is particularly noted for its focus on the following areas:

Quarterback Development

With a competitive quarterback room in the Mustang program, the camp curriculum often mirrors the high-level processing required in modern collegiate offenses. Drills focus on:

• Footwork and Pocket Presence: Navigating the pocket while maintaining a downfield focus.
• Throwing Mechanics: Emphasizing release speed and ball placement against various defensive coverages.
• Read-Progressions: Teaching young QBs how to identify defensive shells and rotate their eyes through their targets.

Lineman Technique (Offensive and Defensive)

The "trench" work at Cal Poly camps is rigorous. Under the guidance of experienced line coaches, participants work on:

• Hand Fighting and Leverage: Essential skills for both pass protection and run blocking.
• Lateral Agility: Ensuring that offensive linemen can pull or reach-block effectively in a zone-heavy system.
• Explosiveness: Defensive linemen focus on the "first step" and various pass-rush moves like the swim, rip, and bull rush.

Specialized Specialist Training

The "Clash on the Coast" sessions include specific blocks for kickers, punters, and snappers. These specialists receive timed charting and technical feedback, which is crucial for those looking to play at the next level, as college coaches often use these camps to find reliable walk-on or scholarship talent.

Preparing for Camp in San Luis Obispo

Attending a camp in San Luis Obispo requires more than just showing up with a pair of cleats. The environment and the nature of the training demand thorough preparation.

The Central Coast Climate

San Luis Obispo is known for its "microclimates." Morning sessions often start with cool, damp coastal fog (the "marine layer"), with temperatures in the 50s or 60s Fahrenheit. However, once the fog burns off around 10:30 a.m., temperatures can climb rapidly into the 80s or 90s.

• Hydration: Athletes must begin "pre-hydrating" 48 hours before camp.
• Sun Protection: Even if it feels cool in the morning, the UV index on the Central Coast is high. Sunscreen is a requirement for all participants.

Required Gear and Equipment

• Nike Contact Camp: Requires full pads (helmet, shoulder pads, jersey, pants, pads, and mouthguard). Rental equipment is generally not provided by the university or the camp operators.
• Clash on the Coast: Usually requires only cleats, shorts, and a t-shirt (unless otherwise specified in the registration confirmation). Quarterbacks should bring their own footballs to ensure they are training with the size and grip they are accustomed to.
• Medical Forms: All participants must provide a signed waiver and proof of physical examination or a medical clearance form. These should be uploaded to the registration portal prior to arrival to avoid delays during check-in.

Accommodation for Families

For families traveling from outside San Luis Obispo County, there are numerous hotels near the campus and downtown. However, summer is peak tourist season on the Central Coast. It is advisable to book lodging months in advance, particularly for the June sessions which coincide with local graduation and tourism surges.

The Role of Summer Camps in NCAA Recruitment

For high school juniors and seniors, these camps are more than just training sessions; they are "auditions." Participating in a university-run camp like "Clash on the Coast" provides a direct line of sight to the Cal Poly coaching staff.

Talent Identification

Collegiate coaches use these camps to verify a player’s height, weight, and speed—often referred to as "verified metrics." While a highlight reel is a good introduction, seeing a player compete in person against other high-level prospects allows coaches to assess their competitive temperament and coachability.

The "Redshirt" and Depth Chart Context

The Cal Poly program has a history of utilizing a mix of veteran returners and young talent. Coaches often look for players who can fit into the "Mustang Way," which emphasizes grit and intelligence. Campers who stand out in drills may find themselves on the recruiting "big board," potentially leading to scholarship offers or preferred walk-on (PWO) opportunities.

Networking and Exposure

Even if an athlete is not recruited by Cal Poly specifically, other coaches from various levels (Division II, Division III, and NAIA) often attend these large-scale camps to scout talent. It is an opportunity to network within the coaching community and gain exposure to different offensive and defensive philosophies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the "Clash on the Coast" and the Nike Camp?

The "Clash on the Coast" is run by the Cal Poly Mustangs coaching staff and is primarily used for recruiting and high school team development. The Nike Contact Football Camp is an independent instructional camp that uses Cal Poly's facilities and is open to a broader age range (10-17 or 13-17 depending on the year) with a focus on general skill improvement and contact fundamentals.

Are the camps open to all genders?

Per NCAA rules, university-run camps are open to any and all entrants, limited only by number, age, grade level, and/or gender. Most traditional football camps at Cal Poly are designated for male participants, but it is best to check the specific registration link for any "All-Comers" flag football or skill clinics that may be co-ed.

Where exactly are the camps held?

Most sessions take place at the Lower Sports Complex or the Mustang Memorial Field at Spanos Stadium, located on the northern end of the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus.

Is there a refund policy?

Refund policies vary by camp. The university-run sessions typically have a strict deadline for refunds (often 7-14 days prior to the camp) and may retain a small processing fee. The Nike camps offer "Peace of Mind" insurance or flexible cancellation options for an additional fee during registration.

Do I need to bring my own lunch?

For the Nike Day Camp, players must bring their own lunch. For overnight campers, meals are included. For the single-day "Clash on the Coast" prospect camps, players should bring snacks and fluids, though lunch is sometimes provided depending on the specific session's duration; check your confirmation email for details.

Summary of 2026 Cal Poly Football Camp Options

Choosing the right camp depends on the athlete's age and career goals. Below is a quick-reference summary for the 2026 summer:

The Cal Poly football camp experience offers a unique blend of high-level instruction and the scenic beauty of San Luis Obispo. By selecting the session that best matches their needs and preparing for the physical demands of the Central Coast climate, athletes can take significant steps forward in their football journey. Early registration is the most critical step to securing a spot in these high-demand programs.