UCLA Bruins' Football Roster Overhaul: A Deep Dive into the Transfer Portal Class

Bob Chesney's arrival as the UCLA Bruins' football coach signaled a new era, and his first transfer portal cycle reflects a clear vision for the program’s immediate future. Following a disappointing 3-9 campaign in 2025, Chesney aggressively utilized the transfer portal, adding a staggering 39 new players to the roster. This influx of talent aims to rebuild depth and address key areas of weakness.

National and Conference Ranking

According to 247Sports, UCLA’s transfer class ranks 30th nationally. Within the Big Ten, the Bruins placed sixth, trailing only Ohio State, Penn State, Indiana, Michigan, and USC. While those programs may have landed more high-profile names, UCLA actually brought in more total transfers than each of the five teams ranked ahead of them.

Strategy and Focus

The Bruins did not land any five-star transfers and secured just two four-star additions, but the focus of this cycle was clearly on rebuilding depth rather than chasing star power. Those two higher-rated players include wide receiver Aidan Mizell from Florida and linebacker Sammy Omosigho from Oklahoma, both of whom are expected to compete for significant roles right away. While more elite talent would have generated buzz, the Bruins’ roster holes demanded a broader approach.

Chesney’s portal strategy emphasized raising the team’s baseline after last season’s struggles. UCLA targeted key areas that faltered in 2025, particularly along the offensive and defensive lines, while also adding bodies to the running back room. Those position groups were thin and inconsistent a year ago, making them logical priorities as the new staff works to stabilize performance on both sides of the ball.

Key Acquisitions

Offensive Line Reinforcements

Chesney wasted no time fortifying the Bruins’ offensive line. Several key additions aim to bolster the team's protection and run-blocking capabilities:

Jordan Davis (South Alabama, South Carolina): Filling UCLA’s last major need as a likely starter at left tackle, Davis started almost every game for South Alabama over the last three seasons. He spent the two previous seasons at South Carolina, not appearing in any games, allowing him to apply for a medical hardship waiver that is expected to provide one more season of eligibility.
Sean Na’a (Arizona State): A three-star prospect out of St. John Bosco High, Na’a started seven games as a freshman at Arizona State in 2023, becoming one of 20 true freshmen in the Football Bowl Subdivision to play 400-plus snaps that season. After being limited to five games by injury as a sophomore, Na’a played a reserve role last season in his return.
Carter Sweazie (James Madison): A third-team All-Sun Belt Conference selection last season, Sweazie started every game at left guard while helping the Dukes reach the College Football Playoff. He had been a part-time starter in each of the previous two seasons and should compete for a starting spot with the Bruins.
Michael McDonald (Fullerton College): A graduate of Dorsey High, McDonald gets to stay home while moving up considerably in the college football landscape. He has the size to compete for a coveted spot at tackle.
Robell Garcia (James Madison): The former JMU right guard will compete for the starting spot to replace former Bruin Garrett DiGiorgio and could even move to center.
Mack Indestad (Eastern Michigan): Indestad primarily played left tackle at Eastern Michigan, and while he lacks the experience and prowess that Davis has, he could be serviceable if Davis were to go down with an injury.
Garrison Blank (Rocklin): An incoming freshman offensive tackle with high potential.
Oluwafunto Akinshilo (Leuzinger): Adds depth and competition to the interior offensive line.
Noah Pulealii (Palma): A versatile interior offensive lineman who is expected to compete for playing time.
Jake Renda (IMG Academy): Provides additional depth at the tight end position.
Jordan Davis (Creekside): An experienced offensive tackle transfer.
IOL Sean Na'a (Westlake): Adds experience and depth to the offensive line.
OT Mack Indestad (Lemont): Another offensive tackle addition for depth.

Defensive Line Overhaul

The Bruins also focused on revamping their defensive line, bringing in several players to improve their pass rush and run defense:

Tyson Ford (California, Notre Dame): A four-star high school prospect out of St. Louis, Ford spent his first two college seasons at Notre Dame and played sparingly before transferring to Cal. After his start to the 2025 season was delayed by injury, Ford appeared in the final seven games, making three tackles.
Maxwell Roy (Ohio State): A four-star high school prospect out of Philadelphia, Roy did not appear in a game last season for the Buckeyes. He had been a member of the 247Sports “freaks” list in high school while competing as an All-American wrestler and throwing events in track and field in addition to starring in football.
Dallin Havea (Utah Tech, Brigham Young): Havea becomes the latest member of a growing Utah Tech-to-UCLA pipeline, joining defensive backs Tao Johnson and Scooter Jackson. He was productive in his only season at Utah Tech, playing in every game and starting six of the last eight games. He made 43 tackles - six for loss, including five sacks - to go with two pass breakups, three quarterback hurries and one fumble recovery.
Sahir West (James Madison): During James Madison’s Sun Belt Conference championship victory over Troy, West was a singular nemesis with 10 tackles, including 5½ for loss and three sacks, to go with a forced fumble. Each of those totals represented a career high. For the season, West logged 45 tackles - 14 for loss, including seven sacks - and four pass breakups along with that forced fumble. Those numbers helped make West a first team freshman All-American selection by The Athletic and the Sun Belt freshman of the year.
Darold DeNgohe (Rutgers, James Madison): DeNgohe will reunite with new UCLA coach Bob Chesney after having played for him in 2024 at James Madison. DeNgohe went on to spend the 2025 season at Rutgers, where he made seven tackles in four games while being limited by injuries. The previous season, DeNgohe played in every game and made 28 tackles - six for loss - to go with a sack and a blocked kick.
Amier Washington (Texas Tech): Washington played sparingly during an injury-plagued 2025, making seven tackles - one for loss - to go with a quarterback hurry. The previous season, he started at both edge rusher and linebacker, making 10 tackles. In 2023, he emerged as a potential star by making four tackles - all for loss, including two sacks - while also forcing a fumble during a victory over California in the Independence Bowl.
Jalen Hargrove (Choate Rosemary Hall): A defensive line prospect with potential.
A.J. Fuimaono (Liberty): Adds depth to the defensive line.

Running Back Depth

To address the inconsistencies in the running game, UCLA added Wayne Knight from James Madison.

Wayne Knight (James Madison): Knight is a significant addition to the running back room, joining junior Jaivian Thomas and redshirt junior Anthony Woods, immediately making it one of the team’s strongest position groups.

Secondary Additions

The Bruins also added several defensive backs to improve their pass coverage:

Malik Hartford (Ohio State): Hartford brings championship experience, having played in every game of the Buckeyes’ run to the 2024 national title. A shoulder injury requiring surgery limited him to four games last season. In parts of three seasons, Hartford tallied 20 tackles and three pass breakups.
Tao Johnson (Utah): Johnson started 34 games over the last three seasons with the Utes, including 22 games at safety and 12 at nickelback. Last season, he made 48 tackles - 2½ for loss - to go with two interceptions and four passes broken up.
Osiris Gilbert (Connecticut): After shunning offers from Indiana, Georgia and Florida State to play for coach Jim Mora at Connecticut, Gilbert made a great first impression by collecting 19 tackles and three pass deflections in his first college season.
Jhase McMillan (Montana State): McMillan arrives with championship pedigree, having blocked a late field-goal attempt in the Football Championship Subdivision title game to help Montana State reach overtime during an eventual victory over Illinois State. Bobcats coach Brent Vigen called McMillan “probably our fastest guy,” speed that McMillan put to good use in finishing the season with 39 tackles - two for losses - to go with a fumble recovery and three pass breakups.
Jamier Johnson (John Muir): A defensive back prospect with local ties.
Andre Jordan Jr. (Federal Way): Another addition to the defensive backfield.
Kanye Clark (Capital Christian): A safety transfer who will compete for playing time.

Wide Receiver Corps

The Bruins sought to revamp their receiving corps with several additions:

Aidan Mizell (Florida): Mizell has struggled to reach his full potential, failing to eclipse 20 catches, 250 receiving yards or three touchdowns in a year across his three seasons at Florida. But his blazing speed and ability to create separation may be the perfect weapon for redshirt sophomore Nico Iamaleava’s strong arm in 2026.
Rico Flores Jr. (Folsom): A wide receiver addition with potential.
Marcus Harris (Washington): The Bruins are getting a former Mater Dei High star with plenty of upside after Harris redshirted last season at Washington, making his collegiate debut during the team’s L.A. Bowl victory over Boise State. As a senior in high school, Harris caught 28 passes for 459 yards to help lead the Monarchs to a 12-0 record and a Southern Section Division I championship.
Brian Rowe Jr. (South Carolina): Rowe immediately impressed in his first college season, earning four starts while playing in 11 of 12 games for the Gamecocks. He caught 19 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown. Showing versatility, he also ran three times for eight yards and completed a 21-yard pass on a trick play against Texas A&M.

Special Teams

Curtis Gerrand (Sam Houston): The Bruins have apparently traded one Australian punter for another after losing Will Karoll and gaining Gerrand, a native of Melbourne who had a strong debut college season in 2025. He averaged 43 yards per punt, including six of at least 50 yards and 22 that he downed inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.
Will Karoll (ProKick Australia): An experienced punter from Australia.
Mateen Bhaghani (San Diego): A kicker who adds depth to the special teams unit.

Other Key Additions

Sammy Omosigho (Oklahoma): A former four-star high school prospect, Omosigho totaled 97 tackles over three seasons as a Sooner and started three games as a sophomore in 2024. His best season came in 2025, Omosigho logging 50 tackles - including 4 ½ for loss and two sacks - along with three pass breakups and one fumble recovery.
Brayden Loftin (Kansas State): Loftin brings considerable experience to Westwood, having been a regular part of Kansas State’s offense in each of the past two years. Last season, he made six catches for 55 yards. In 2024, he made 11 catches for 125 yards and two touchdowns.
Anthony Sacca (Notre Dame): Rated as a four-star prospect out of high school by ESPN and Rivals, Sacca did not play in his only season with the Fighting Irish. But he arrives in Westwood as an intriguing addition to a defense in need of playmakers. He also has a strong football pedigree; his father, Tony Sacca, having played quarterback for Penn State before being drafted in the second round by the Arizona Cardinals.
Ty Dieffenbach (Cal Poly): Dieffenbach will provide necessary depth at quarterback after the departures of multiple players. Last season, as Cal Poly’s starter, Dieffenbach completed 56.8% of his passes for 1,305 yards and nine touchdowns with nine interceptions. He also ran for 321 yards and four touchdowns.
Harry Lodge (Belmont Hill School): A tight end prospect with potential.

Retention of Key Players

The portal's success wasn’t limited to outside acquisitions. Retention also played a major role in UCLA’s offseason plan. The Bruins managed to keep several important contributors in Westwood despite their initial decisions to explore transfer options. Cole Martin, Scooter Jackson, and Mateen Bhaghani all entered the portal but ultimately chose to remain with the program, providing continuity at a time of significant change.

Read also: Navigating Tech Breadth at UCLA

Coaching Staff Changes and Program Context

UCLA finished the 2025 season 3-9 overall (3-6 Big Ten), a year that began with the program parting ways with second-year head coach DeShaun Foster after an 0-3 start amid widespread roster and staff instability. Under interim head coach Tim Skipper, the Bruins salvaged several notable wins, including a 42-37 upset of No. 7 Penn State, a dominant 38-13 victory over Michigan State, and a 20-17 win over Maryland, yet the final record and volume of roster turnover made a wholesale rebuild inevitable. On Dec. 6, 2025, UCLA hired Chesney away from James Madison after he led the Dukes to their first-ever Sun Belt title and the program’s first College Football Playoff appearance, earning a reputation as one of the sport’s most aggressive and effective roster architects.

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