[1] After redshirting his freshman year, Longshore was chosen to succeed Aaron Rodgers, who left for the NFL, to be California's starting quarterback.

During fall practice, head coach Jeff Tedford named Longshore the starting quarterback the week leading up to Cal's season opener at Tennessee.

He was named the co-offensive MVP of the Holiday Bowl alongside running back Marshawn Lynch[7] Longshore was particularly effective in his first full season as California's starting quarterback.

Longshore saw playing time three weeks later on September 27 against the Colorado State Rams, replacing a struggling Riley who had thrown for a touchdown and had one interception.

Although Longshore's two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter came with the game's outcome beyond doubt in the Bears' 42-7 victory, Tedford reopened the quarterback competition for the following week against Arizona State on October 4.

Riley also started the following week on November 1 against Oregon, but sustained a concussion after being hit in the first quarter when he failed to slide while trying to gain a first down and did not return to the game.

Longshore started the following week against USC, during which he threw two interceptions that were negated by penalties against the Trojans defense, although he did lead the Bears on their only scoring drive.

Longshore did not see playing time again until the final regular season game of his college career on December 6 against the winless Washington Huskies when he stepped in for Riley during the second and third quarters.

[16] He was replaced in the fourth quarter by third-string quarterback Brock Mansion when Cal began playing its backup players to give them some game experience.

Longshore's final collegiate game came when he was picked to start for the 2008 Emerald Bowl over Riley, his performances in practice[17] and health[18] being cited as factors.

[20] Longshore signed with the San Jose SaberCats, of the Arena Football League, in February 2011[21] but did not make the team's final roster.

His younger brother Ben Longshore was a senior quarterback at his alma mater, Canyon High School of Santa Clarita, California, and walked on to Utah State as a freshman in 2007.