The San Francisco 49ers closed out their 2025 preseason slate at Levi’s® Stadium with a 30-23 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. The game featured plenty of familiar faces on the Chargers sideline, including head coach Jim Harbaugh, quarterback Trey Lance, and 49ers legend turned Chargers linebackers coach NaVorro Bowman. In the preseason finale, it was San Francisco’s defense and special teams that made the difference.
After a slow first quarter filled with punts, the 49ers found their rhythm with timely turnovers and highlight-reel plays. Touchdowns from WR Demarcus Robinson, RB Jeff Wilson Jr., LB Curtis Robinson, and WR Terique Owens helped secure the win as the 49ers wrapped up the preseason on a high note.
Here are five takeaways from the Chargers-49ers game:
Slow Start, Fast Recovery
Both the Chargers and the 49ers struggled to move the ball early, setting a preseason mark for most combined punts in a first quarter since at least 2015 (eight total), per AP’s Josh Dubow. The turning point came late in the first quarter when 49ers tight end Brayden Willis pounced on a muffed punt at the Chargers 36-yard line, setting up San Francisco’s first scoring opportunity. Quarterback Tanner Mordecai capitalized off the turnover, and in the second quarter, connected with Robinson on a 22-yard touchdown.
Wilson Jr. Reunites with the Faithful
“El Jefe” is back in the red and gold this preseason, and brought momentum in the third quarter. Following a forced fumble by rookie linebacker Nick Martin and recovery by DL Evan Anderson, Mordecai and Wilson Jr. carried the offense downfield. Wilson Jr. capped the drive with a five-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 13-13 and marking his first trip to the Levi’s® Stadium end zone since rejoining the team.