note: all mentions of remaining eligibility are made with the information provided from previous schools' websites.
The UCLA football program, led by new head coach Bob Chesney, signed 40 student-athletes during the 15-day NCAA transfer portal window from Jan. 2-16. The incoming transfer class was ranked No. 11 in the nation and No. 2 in the Big Ten Conference by recruiting outlet On3.com. The student-athletes listed below are set to compete for the Bruins in the upcoming 2026-27 season.
The group addressed three crucial position needs at defensive line (9 signees), offensive line (8) and wideout (6). Five of those offensive linemen bring quality experience, starting a least 10 games on the FBS level at their previous institutions. Ten players are following Chesney from James Madison, where the group reached the College Football Playoff and won the Sun Belt Conference last year. Six of UCLA's signees were four-star recruits out of high school, and two of them were four-stars as transfer recruits.
Chesney and UCLA also managed to retain key players from the 2025 roster, keeping quarterback Nico Iamaleava, offensive lineman Eugene Brooks and defensive backs Rodrick Pleasant, Scooter Jackson and Cole Martin in Westwood.
Stevie Amar Jr. / TE / 6-2 / 228 / Boston College / Oxnard, Calif. / Oaks Christian School
Maintained a redshirt after playing only three games, primarily on special teams, in his true freshman season at Boston College (2025) … consensus three-star recruit out of high school by 247Sports, On3 and ESPN … ranked as the No. 63 tight end in the nation and No. 99 overall recruit from California by 247Sports out of high school … ranked as the No. 46 tight end in the nation and No. 65 overall recruit from California by On3 out of high school … ranked as the No. 39 tight end in the nation and No. 84 overall recruit from California by ESPN out of high school … recorded 996 receiving yards on 89 catches, including 14 touchdowns, in his final two seasons at Oaks Christian School … as a senior in 2024, recorded 567 receiving yards on 46 catches and eight TDs … two-time All-Marmonte League First Team honoree as an upperclassman … as a junior in 2023, totaled 429 yards on 35 catches with six TDs … was a quarterback in his first two seasons at Oaks Christian … also played basketball for the Lions.
DJ Barksdale / DB / 5-7 / 180 / James Madison / Rock Hill, S.C. / South Pointe HS
Three-year letterwinner at James Madison (2023-25) … has one year of eligibility remaining … has played in 40 games, making 27 starts (started every game in 2025 and 2024) … named an All-Sun Belt Conference Third Team recipient in 2025 … named the 2024 Boca Raton Bowl Defensive MVP after recording 2.0 tackles for loss and one forced fumble to help the Dukes to their first FBS bowl win in program history (Dec. 18, 2024) … also received JMU's 2024 Unsung Hero Award at the team banquet … started all 14 games in 2025 with 12 at nickel and two at cornerback … started all 13 games in 2024 at nickel … has accumulated 93 tackles (56-37-93), 8.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, four interceptions, 19 passes defended and one forced fumble in his career … in 2025, recorded 36 tackles (22-14-36), 3.0 TFLs, two interceptions and 12 PBUs … tied for third in the Sun Belt in both pass breakups (12) and passes defended (14) in 2025 … logged a career-high three PBUs in the 2025 Sun Belt Championship versus Troy (Dec. 5) … also operated as James Madison's primary kick returner as a true freshman in 2023, averaging 21.3 per return.
Chase Barry / P / 6-4 / 205 / Oklahoma State / San Juan Capistrano, Calif. / JSerra Catholic HS
Formerly competed at UCLA from 2022-24 … transferred to Oklahoma State for the 2025 season where he played in just one game (season opener) … has played in 14 games over four seasons … was the Bruins' primary holder for the 2024 season, going without a mis-handled snap all year … punted once during the 2025 campaign at Oklahoma State, which went for 52 yards inside the 20.
Gavin Blum / DL / 6-3 / 280 / Saddleback College / San Juan Capistrano, Calif. / San Juan Hills HS
One-year letterwinner at Saddleback College (Mission Viejo, Calif.) … named a First Team All-American All-California Region III First Team by the California Community College Football Coaches Association in his true freshman season … also named All-Southern League First Team … helped Saddleback win the Southern League regular-season title … totaled 35 tackles (17-18-35), 10.0 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery … named All-CIF Southern Section Division 2 in his senior season at San Juan Hills High School in 2024 … honored as the 2024 Bravo League Defensive Lineman of the Year.
Darold DeNgohe / DL / 6-2 / 298 / Rutgers / Philadelphia, Pa. / La Salle College HS
One-year letterwinner at Rutgers (2025) … one-year letterwinner at James Madison (2023-24) … played in two games in his true freshman season at James Madison in 2023, earning a redshirt … has played in 18 games in his career … totaled 28 tackles (11-17-28), 6.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack and one block in his redshirt freshman season at James Madison in 2024.
Ty Dieffenbach / QB / 6-6 / 220 / Cal Poly / Calabasas, Calif. / Agoura HS
One-year letterwinner at Cal Poly (2025) and one-year letterwinner at Pittsburgh (2023-24) … has two years of remaining eligibility … redshirted his true freshman season at Pittsburgh in 2023 … has played in 12 career games … played in 11 contests at Cal Poly in 2025, leading the Mustangs' quarterback room with 1,305 passing yards, nine passing touchdowns and a 56.8 completion percentage (92-of-162) … threw for 4,153 yards and 48 touchdowns during his three seasons as a prep QB at Agoura High School … during injury-hindered senior season, passed for 867 yards and nine TDs … posted career-high passing numbers with 2,669 yards and 34 touchdowns as a junior in 2021 … began his high school career as a wide receiver … was the ace on Agoura's baseball team, earning team MVP honors.
Landon Ellis / WR / 6-1 / 212 / James Madison / Orange, Va. / Woodberry Forest HS
One-year letterwinner at James Madison (2025) and two-year letterwinner at FCS Richmond (2023-24) … has one year of eligibility remaining … has played in 39 games, making 28 starts … has led his teams in receiving yards in each of the last two seasons … has totaled 1,426 receiving yards on 106 catches, including 10 touchdowns, in his career … has posted three 100-plus-yard receiving performances … earned All-Sun Belt Conference Third Team recognition in his lone season at James Madison … led the Dukes with 624 receiving yards on 36 catches and was tied for the team lead with five receiving touchdowns … has three games with 80-plus yards in 2025, including a 120-yard, three-touchdown performance versus Louisiana (Oct. 11, 2025) … led Richmond with 588 receiving yards, 50 catches and four touchdowns his sophomore season in 2024 … posted a career-high 131-yard performance at Delaware State (Oct. 19, 2024) … recorded 214 yards on 20 catches in his true freshman season, starting seven games … as a senior at Woodberry Forest High School, was named the 2022 Virginia Prep League Player of the Year … also the 2022 Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association state champion in the 4x100m relay.
Tyson Ford / DL / 6-5 / 300 / California / St. Louis, Mo. / John Burroughs HS
One-year letterwinner at California (2025) and one-year letterwinner at Notre Dame (2023-24) … has two years of remaining eligibility … earned a redshirt for his true freshman season at Notre Dame after playing in two games … has played in nine career games … played in seven games in a reserve role at California in 2025, logging three tackles … consensus four-star recruit by 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN out of John Burroughs High School … ranked as the No. 9 strong side defensive end nationally and No. 2 player from Missouri by Rivals … ranked as the No. 25 defensive lineman nationally and No. 2 player from Missouri by 247Sports.
Osiris Gilbert / DB / 5-9 / 175 / Connecticut / Duluth, Ga. / Peachtree Ridge HS
One-year letterwinner at UConn (2025) … played in all 12 games as a true freshman, logging 19 tackles (12-7-19), 0.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups and one forced fumble … logged a season-high seven tackles and one PBU at Delaware (Sept. 13, 2025) … consensus three-star recruit out of high school according to 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN … also a track and field athlete at Peachtree Ridge, participating in the 200m.
Aiden Gobaira / DL / 6-4 / 254 / James Madison / Fairfax, Va. / Chantilly HS
One-year letterwinner at James Madison (2025) … enrolled at Notre Dame for 2022-24, but did not compete due to injury … named a 2025 All-Sun Belt Conference Third Team honoree … played in all 14 games, making one start for the Dukes … totaled 38 tackles (18-20-38), 7.5 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks … ranked third on the team in sacks … consensus four-star recruit out of high school, according to 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN … semifinalist for the 2021 Maxwell Football Club National High School Defensive Player of the Year … recorded 16.0 sacks in just eight games his senior year in 2021.
Marcus Harris / WR / 6-1 / 190 / Washington / Eastvale, Calif. / Mater Dei HS
One-year letterwinner at Washington (2025) … played in only one game in his true freshman season, coming in the Huskies' 2025 LA Bowl victory over Boise State (Dec. 13, 2025) … played varsity all four seasons at Mater Dei High School … as a senior in 2024, helped lead Mater Dei to an 12-0 overall record and a 5-0 mark in Trinity League play … won the CIF Southern Section Division 1 championship, with a title-game win over St. John Bosco … qualified for the state of California's top-level state championship final, the Open Division final vs. De La Salle …caught 28 passes for 459 yard in 2024 … as a junior in 2023, earned first-team All-CIF-SS Division 1 and second-team All-Trinity League … had 43 receptions for 644 yards and six TDs as a junior … in 2023, helped lead the Monarchs to an 13-1 overall record and the CIF State Championship Open Division championship, blanking Junipero Serra, 35-0, in the championship game … won the CIF Southern Section playoffs, avenging only loss by beating St. John Bosco, 35-7, in the title game … finished the 2023 season ranked No. 3 in the nation by both USA Today and MaxPreps … team went 12-1 overall, 5-0 in the Trinity League and reached the CIF-SS Division I championship game in 2022, when he caught 25 passes for 644 yards and 12 touchdowns … also on the varsity roster as a freshman in 2021, helping Mater Dei go 12-0 and win the CIF-SS Division 1 championship and Open Division championship … Monarchs finished 2021 season ranked No. 1 in the final USA Today poll … rated the No. 35 overall recruit in California and No. 50 wide receiver in the country by 247Sports.
Malik Hartford / DB / 6-2 / 200 / Ohio State / West Chester, Ohio / Lakota West HS
Two-year letterwinner at Ohio State (2023-25) … earned a redshirt in his true junior season in 2025, playing in only four games … has played in 27 games over his career, including two starts both coming as a true freshman in 2023 … played in all 14 games in the secondary and special teams during Ohio State's national championship season in 2024 … has totaled 20 tackles (10-10-20) and three pass breakups in his career … was a four-star recruit and the No. 4 player out of Ohio according to 247Sports … named the Greater Miami [OH] Conference Defensive Player of the Year as a senior in 2022 … also selected by the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association as the Division I Southwest District Defensive Player of the Year and co-Division I Defensive Player of the Year.
Dallin Havea / LB/EDGE / 6-2 / 250 / Utah Tech / Orem, Utah / Provo HS
One-year letterwinner at Utah Tech (2025) … earned a redshirt for his true freshman season at BYU (2024) … has three years of remaining eligibility … played in all 12 games in 2025, making starts in six of the last eight contests … recorded 43 tackles (20-23-43), 6.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, two pass breakups, three quarterback hurries and one fumble recovery … logged eight tackles and 2.0 sacks in his first-career cation against UC Davis (Aug. 30, 2025) … consensus three-star recruit out of Provo High School … rated as the No. 18 recruit out of Utah by 247Sports … earned three varsity letters, helping Provo to the Region 8 title in 2019 … also was a running back, rushing for 1,301 yards (7.1 yards per carry) as a junior in 2022.
Mack Indestad / OL / 6-8 / 308 / Eastern Michigan / Lemont, Ill. / Lemont Township HS
Three-year letterwinner at Eastern Michigan (2022-25) … has one year of remaining eligibility … did not see action in his both his true freshman (2022) and redshirt freshman seasons (2023) … played in 13 games, including nine starts, over the last two years … started four games at left tackle in 2025 … started four games at left tackle in 2024, including the final three of the season … ranked as three-star recruit out of Lemont Township High School by 247Sports … led Lemont Township to an 11-1 season as a senior in 2021, recording 60 pancake blocks and allowing just two hurries.
Ta'Shawn James / DB / 6-1 / 215 / Iowa State / Oklahoma City, Okla. / Carl Albert HS
Two-year letterwinner at Iowa State (2023-25) … has two years of eligibility remaining … played four games in his true freshman season in 2023, earning a redshirt … has played in 26 games, making eight starts … saw action in eight games, including six starts, before suffering a season-ending injury in 2025 … has totaled 79 tackles (45-34-79), six passes defended, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble in his career.
Tao Johnson / DB / 6-1 / 200 / Utah / Idaho Falls, Idaho / Thunder Ridge HS
Three-year letterwinner at Utah (2022-25) … earned a redshirt for his true freshman season after appearing in five contests (2022) … has played in 42 games, including 34 starts, over his career … has made 22 starts at safety and 12 at nickel … has totaled 154 tackles (84-70-154), 6.0 tackles for loss, three interceptions, 16 passes defended, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
Wayne Knight / RB / 5-6 / 189 / James Madison / Smyrna, Del. / Smyrna HS
Three-year letterwinner at James Madison (2022-25) … has one year of eligibility remaining … redshirted his sophomore season in 2023 after playing just four games … has played in 39 games, making 16 starts … has totaled 1,837 rushing yards on 293 carries and 11 touchdowns … has totaled 608 receiving yards on 61 catches and three touchdowns … 2025 Paul Hornung Award Finalist … 2025 Associated Press Second Team All-American as an all-purpose player … 2025 All-Sun Belt First Team honoree … 2025 Sun Belt Conference Rushing Champion with 1,373 yards … set the James Madison single-season record and led the entire FBS with 2,039 all-purpose yards in 2025 … ranked fifth in the FBS with 6.63 yards per carry and seventh with 1,3737 rushing yards … posted five 100-yard rushing performances and six games with at least 150 all-purpose yards in 2025 … topped 200 yards rushing for the first time in his career with 212 in the Sun Belt Championship versus Troy, which set a title game record (Dec. 5, 2025).
Dylan Lee / RB / 6-1 / 215 / Iowa State / Gilbert, Ariz. / Williams Field HS
One-year letterwinner at Iowa State (2024-25) … played in two games in his true freshman season in 2024, earning a redshirt … has three years of remaining eligibility … has played in 13 career games … played 11 games last season, rushing 25 times for 117 yards and a touchdown … posted a career-high 13 carries for 81 yards and a TD against South Dakota (Aug. 30, 2025) … consensus three-star recruit out of high school … ranked as the No. 65 running back in his class by ESPN … totaled 3,594 rushing yards in his final two seasons at Williams Field High School … led Arizona Class 6A in rush yards (2,012) and touchdowns (27) in 2023 … broke the Arizona High School Class 6A single-game rushing record with 518 yards on 27 carries in a 49-27 victory over Scottsdale Chaparral during the 2022 season.
Brayden Loftin / TE / 6-5 / 230 / Kansas State / Omaha, Neb. / Lewis Central HS [IA]
Two-year letterwinner at Kansas State (2022-25) … has two years of remaining eligibility … earned a redshirt for his true freshman season in 2023 … has played in 31 career games, including one start … has totaled 17 receptions for 180 yards, including two touchdowns in his career … recorded his best season as a redshirt freshman in 2024, totaling 125 receiving yards on 11 catches and two TDs … helped Lewis Central High School win the state championship his senior year in 2022, hauling in a game-winning TD pass to secure a 32-24 victory in 3OT.
Dante Lovett / DB / 6-0 / 190 / Virginia Tech / Crofton, Md. / DeMatha Catholic HS
Two-year letterwinner at Virginia Tech (2023-25) … has two years of eligibility remaining … redshirted his junior season in 2025 after playing just three games … has played in 29 games, making two starts (both in his sophomore season in 2024) … has totaled 36 tackles (22-14-36), 0.5 tackles for loss, one interception, seven pass breakups and one fumble recovery.
Ryan McCulloch / EDGE/LB / 6-3 / 255 / California / Arcadia, Calif. / Rio Hondo Preparatory School
Two-year letterwinner at California (2023-24) … possesses two years of remaining eligibility after redshirting the 2025 season … played in 26 games over his three-year Golden Bear career … was mentored by new UCLA linebackers coach Vic So'oto … has totaled 38 tackles (19-19-38), 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, three pass breakups and one fumble recovery … as a sophomore in 2024, tallied career-highs in tackles (18), tackles for loss (4.5) and sacks (3.0) … listed as a consensus three-star recruit out of high school … earned Gold Coast League Defensive MVP, All-CIF-SS First Team and All-Gold Coast honors as a senior in 2022 … three-sport prep athlete, participating on Rio Hondo's basketball and baseball teams.
Michael McDonald / OL / 6-6 / 330 / Fullerton College / Los Angeles, Calif. / Dorsey HS
One-year letterwinner at Fullerton College (2025) … has three years of remaining eligibility … played in 10 of 11 games, helping Fullerton to an 8-3 overall record in 2025 … helped Fullerton rush for 211.1 yards per game and 27 touchdowns in addition to averaging 39.5 points per game … attended Dorsey High School.
Jhase McMillan / DB / 5-9 / 157 / Montana State / Fulshear, Texas / Katy Thompkins HS
One-year letterwinner at FCS Montana State (2024-25) … possesses three years of remaining eligibility … earned a redshirt in his true freshman season in 2024 after playing only four regular season games, in addition to four playoff games … has played in 23 career games, including 15 starts … started 15 of 16 games at cornerback during Montana State's FCS national championship season in 2025 … recorded 43 tackles (31-12-43), 2.0 tackles for loss, four pass breakup and one forced fumble in 2025.
Aiden Mizell / WR / 6-1 ½ / 185 / Florida / Orlando, Fla. / Boone HS
Two-year letterwinner at Florida (2023-25) … possesses two years of remaining eligibility … earned a redshirt for the 2023 season after appearing in two games … has played in 21 games, making seven starts … has totaled 404 receiving yards on 38 catches, including three touchdowns, over his career … recorded 177 receiving yards on 19 catches, including one touchdown, as a redshirt junior in 2025 … finished with 202 receiving yards on 17 catches and two touchdowns as a redshirt sophomore in 2024 … was a consensus four-star recruit out of Boone High School in Orlando, Fla. … ranked as the No. 70 player overall, No. 11 wide receiver and No. 16 Floridian in his class by On3 … compiled 47 receptions for 1,003 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior in 2021 … also a track star, competing in the Florida High School Athletic Association state finals in the 400m and 100m.
Semaj Morgan / WR / 5-10 / 174 / Michigan / Detroit, Mich. / West Bloomfield HS
Three-year letterwinner at Michigan (2023-25) … possesses one year of remaining eligibility … has played in 37 games, making seven starts at wide receiver … also contributed as a returner throughout his career … two-time All-Big Ten Honorable Mention selection as a return specialist (2023 and 2024) … has totaled 566 receiving yards on 69 catches, including four touchdowns, in his career … has returned 25 punts for an average of 9.2 yards per return … has returned 12 kicks for 186 yards for an average of 15.5 yards per return (all during his freshman season) … helped Michigan win the 2023 National Championship.
Sean Na'a / OL / 6-3 / 305 / Arizona State / Inglewood, Calif. / St. John Bosco HS
Two-year letterwinner at Arizona State (2023-25) … earned a redshirt for his true sophomore season in 2024 after playing in five games … has two years of remaining eligibility … has played in 24 career games, including seven starts all coming in his true freshman season … was one of just 20 true freshman in FBS to play 400-plus snaps in 2023 … started those seven games at left guard … consensus three-star recruit out of national powerhouse St. John Bosco High School … helped lead the Braves to the CIF-SS Open Division championship in 2022.
Sammy Omosigho / LB / 6-1 / 235 / Oklahoma / Heartland, Texas / Crandall HS
Three-year letterwinner at Oklahoma (2023-25) … has one remaining year of eligibility … has played in 36 career games, making three starts all in his sophomore year in 2024 … has played in all 26 games the last two seasons … in a reserve linebacker role in 2025, Omosigho ranked fifth on the Sooners with 50 total tackles (28-22-50) in addition to posting 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, three pass breakups and one fumble recovery … over his three-year career, has totaled 97 tackles (50-47-97), 10.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, four PBUs and one fumble recovery and forced fumble … was a consensus four-star recruit out of high school and a top-200 national recruit by 247Sports (No. 67), On3 (No. 100) and ESPN (No. 115).
Derek Osman / OL / 6-4 / 305 / Harvard / Mercer Island, Wash. / Choate Rosemary Hall HS [CT]
Three-year letterwinner at Harvard (2022-25) … has one year of remaining eligibility … earned a redshirt for his true freshman season in 2023 … has played in 29 career games … named All-Ivy League Honorable Mention in 2025.
Joshua Phifer / TE / 6-5 / 258 / James Madison / Peachtree City, Ga. / Starr's Mill HS
Two-year letterwinner at James Madison (2023-25) … possesses two years of remaining eligibility … redshirted his true freshman season in 2023 … has played in 27 career games and made three starts, all coming in his redshirt freshman season in 2024 … has totaled 81 receiving yards on six catches, including two touchdowns … recorded 40 receiving yards on four catches in his redshirt sophomore season in 2025 … caught a 37-yard touchdown pass on his first career reception at App State on Nov. 23, 2024 … played in four regular-season games and the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl as a true freshman, but did not record any statistics … as a senior at Starr's Mill High School (Fayetteville, Ga.) in 2022, was named All-Southside Metro tight end by the Atlanta Journal Constitution and All-State tight end by the Georgia High School Athletic Association … was a regional champion and state qualifier in discus.
JD Rayner / OL / 6-4 / 277 / James Madison / Canton, Mass. / Catholic Memorial HS
Played in one game (season opener versus Weber State) during his true freshman season at James Madison (2025) … possesses four years of remaining eligibility … three-year starter on the offensive line at Catholic Memorial High School (West Roxbury, Mass.) … started every game at right tackle his senior year at Catholic Memorial … three-star recruit out of high school, according to 247Sports and Rivals … ranked as the 162nd offensive tackle prospect in the country and 14th overall from Massachusetts by 247Sports … New England Football Journal Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) All-State First Team as a senior and Honorable Mention as a junior … also played defensive tackle and tight end … led Catholic Memorial to MIAA Division 2 state championships in 2024, 2022 and 2021 … had a 44-4 career record with Catholic Memorial.
Riley Robell / OL / 6-2 / 290 / James Madison / Harrisburg, Pa. / Bishop McDevitt HS
Two-year letterwinner at James Madison (2023-25) … possesses two years of remaining eligibility … redshirted his true freshman season in 2023 … ranked as the No. 7 interior offensive lineman and 149th overall in the 2026 transfer portal class by 247Sports … has played in 19 career games, making 11 starts at right guard in 2025 and one start at left guard in 2024 … named an All-Sun Belt Conference Second Team selection in 2025 … helped James Madison rank 11th in FBS in scoring with 37.1 points per game and 17th with 452.6 total yards per game … blocked for Sun Belt Player of the Year quarterback Alonza Barnett III and Paul Hornung Award Finalist running back Wayne Knight … named to the Class 4A All-State First Team by the Pennsylvania Football Writers Association as a defensive lineman his senior year in 2022 … named the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year by the Mid Penn Keystone Conference … named to the All-Mid Penn Keystone Conference First Team three times in 2022, 2021 and 2020 … helped Bishop McDevitt win the 2022 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) state championship and place runner-up in 2021 … ranked as the top defensive tackle in the Pennsylvania Class 4A … dual-sport athlete that was a state wrestling champion, reaching 100-plus career wins.
Brian Rowe Jr. / WR / 5-11 / 170 / South Carolina / Concord, N.C. / Jay M. Robinson HS
One-year letterwinner at South Carolina (2025) … played in 11 of 12 games with four starts … totaled 149 receiving yards on 19 catches, including one touchdown … recorded a season-high 50 receiving yards on three catches with a touchdown at Missouri (Sept. 20) … logged 120 catches for 2,332 yards and 31 touchdowns over three seasons at Jay M. Robinson High School … caught 46 passes for 935 yards with 11 touchdowns as a senior in 2024 … also played basketball and track and field.
Maxwell Roy / DT / 6-3 / 301 / Ohio State / Philadelphia, Pa. / St. Joseph's Preparatory School
Earned a redshirt for his true freshman season at Ohio State in 2025 … has four years of remaining eligibility … consensus four-star recruit out of St. Joseph's Preparatory School … also was a member of the wrestling and track and field team (thrower) … was ranked as the 33rd defensive line prospect in the country and No. 9 overall prospect from Pennsylvania by 247Sports … was ranked as the 21st defensive line recruit nationally and No. 6 overall recruit from Pennsylvania by ESPN.
Anthony Sacca / LB / 6-3 / 240 / Notre Dame / Delran, N.J. / St. Joseph's Preparatory School [PA]
Did not see game action in his true freshman season at Notre Dame in 2025, preserving a redshirt … four-star recruit out of high school according to ESPN and Rivals, and three-star according to 247Sports and On3 … helped St. Joseph's win the 2022 and 2023 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Class 6A state championships … also played baseball in high school … father, Tony, was a quarterback at Penn State and second round draft pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 1992 … mother played soccer at West Virginia.
Hall Schmidt / OL / 6-7 / 310 / Boise State / Gig Harbor, Wash. / Peninsula HS
Three-year letterwinner at Boise State (2022-25) … has played in 16 games, making 12 starts at right tackle (all in 2024) … blocked for Heisman Award runner-up running back Ashton Jeanty in 2024 … the Broncos rushed for 3,365 yards in 2024, most in Boise State's FBS history … allowed one sack in 329 opportunities in 2024 … was a three-star recruit out of high school, according to 247Sports and ESPN … named the 3A South Sound Conference Lineman of the Year in 2021 and 2022.
Leland Smith / WR / 6-4 / 215 / San Jose State / Houston, Texas / Strake Jesuit College Preparatory
Lettered one year each at San Jose State (2025), Purdue (2024) and Fullerton College (2023) … possesses one year of remaining eligibility … has played in 24 games at the FBS level … earned All-Mountain West Honorable Mention in 2025 … recorded career highs with 43 receptions, 688 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 2025 … his 688 receiving yards were eighth-most in the Mountain West … posted four 100-yard receiving performances, including a career-high 144 on nine catches against Air Force (Nov. 8) … appeared in all 12 games while attending Purdue in 2024, recording six catches, 72 yards and two touchdowns … played nine games at Fullerton College in 2023, recording 26 catches for 655 yards and nine touchdowns.
Drew Spinogatti / LB / 6-0 / 228 / James Madison / Winter Garden, Fla. / Bishop Moore Catholic HS
One-year letterwinner at James Madison (2025) and two-year letterwinner at Holy Cross (2023-24) … has one season of remaining eligibility … has played in 36 career games, making 17 starts … tallied six tackles and a 22-yard scoop-and-score touchdown vs. Troy in the Sun Belt Football Championship (Dec. 5, 2025) … in 2025, recorded 55 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, two fumble recoveries and three pass breakups … started all 12 games in his sophomore season at Holy Cross in 2024, logging 71 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble and one PBU.
Carter Sweazie / OL / 6-1 / 327 / James Madison / Ashburn, Va. / Stone Bridge HS
Three-year letterwinner at James Madison (2022-25) … earned a redshirt during his true freshman season in 2022 … has one year of eligibility remaining … earned All-Sun Belt Conference Third Team honors in 2025 … has played in 34 games, making 23 starts (all at left guard) … started all 14 games in 2025 at left guard … helped James Madison rank 11th in FBS in scoring with 37.1 points per game and 17th with 452.6 total yards per game … blocked for Sun Belt Player of the Year quarterback Alonza Barnett III and Paul Hornung Award Finalist running back Wayne Knight.
Amier Washington / DL / 6-2 / 270 / Texas Tech / Orange, Texas / Little Cypress-Mauriceville HS
Two-year letterwinner at Texas Tech (2023-25) … has two years of remaining eligibility … earned a redshirt his true freshman season in 2023 after playing only two games, including the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl … has played in 26 games, including three starts at outside linebacker all as a redshirt freshman in 2024 … logged 4.0 tackles for loss, including 2.0 sacks, and a forced fumble in his second career game at the 2023 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl … in his career, has totaled 21 tackles (11-10-21), 6.0 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and one forced fumble … helped Texas Tech reach the CFP and win the Big 12 Championship as a reserve lineman in 2025.
Sahir West / DL / 6-3 / 269 / James Madison / Baltimore, Md. / Mount St. Joseph HS
One-year letterwinner in his true freshman season at James Madison (2025) … started all 14 games at defensive end … named the 2025 Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year … named a Freshman All-American by The Athletic … ranked second among all freshmen in the FBS and fifth overall in the Sun Belt with 7.0 sacks … totaled 45 tackles (16-29-45), 14.0 tackles for loss, one forced fumble and four pass breakups … set the Sun Belt title game record with 5.5 sacks and 3.0 sacks, in addition to recording a forced fumble, against Troy (Dec. 5, 2025).
2026 UCLA Football Transfer Portal Signees (40)
The UCLA football program, led by new head coach Bob Chesney, signed 40 student-athletes during the 15-day NCAA transfer portal window from Jan. 2-16. The incoming transfer class was ranked No. 11 in the nation and No. 2 in the Big Ten Conference by recruiting outlet On3.com. The student-athletes listed below are set to compete for the Bruins in the upcoming 2026-27 season.
The group addressed three crucial position needs at defensive line (9 signees), offensive line (8) and wideout (6). Five of those offensive linemen bring quality experience, starting a least 10 games on the FBS level at their previous institutions. Ten players are following Chesney from James Madison, where the group reached the College Football Playoff and won the Sun Belt Conference last year. Six of UCLA's signees were four-star recruits out of high school, and two of them were four-stars as transfer recruits.
Chesney and UCLA also managed to retain key players from the 2025 roster, keeping quarterback Nico Iamaleava, offensive lineman Eugene Brooks and defensive backs Rodrick Pleasant, Scooter Jackson and Cole Martin in Westwood.
Stevie Amar Jr. / TE / 6-2 / 228 / Boston College / Oxnard, Calif. / Oaks Christian School
Maintained a redshirt after playing only three games, primarily on special teams, in his true freshman season at Boston College (2025) … consensus three-star recruit out of high school by 247Sports, On3 and ESPN … ranked as the No. 63 tight end in the nation and No. 99 overall recruit from California by 247Sports out of high school … ranked as the No. 46 tight end in the nation and No. 65 overall recruit from California by On3 out of high school … ranked as the No. 39 tight end in the nation and No. 84 overall recruit from California by ESPN out of high school … recorded 996 receiving yards on 89 catches, including 14 touchdowns, in his final two seasons at Oaks Christian School … as a senior in 2024, recorded 567 receiving yards on 46 catches and eight TDs … two-time All-Marmonte League First Team honoree as an upperclassman … as a junior in 2023, totaled 429 yards on 35 catches with six TDs … was a quarterback in his first two seasons at Oaks Christian … also played basketball for the Lions.
DJ Barksdale / DB / 5-7 / 180 / James Madison / Rock Hill, S.C. / South Pointe HS
Three-year letterwinner at James Madison (2023-25) … has one year of eligibility remaining … has played in 40 games, making 27 starts (started every game in 2025 and 2024) … named an All-Sun Belt Conference Third Team recipient in 2025 … named the 2024 Boca Raton Bowl Defensive MVP after recording 2.0 tackles for loss and one forced fumble to help the Dukes to their first FBS bowl win in program history (Dec. 18, 2024) … also received JMU's 2024 Unsung Hero Award at the team banquet … started all 14 games in 2025 with 12 at nickel and two at cornerback … started all 13 games in 2024 at nickel … has accumulated 93 tackles (56-37-93), 8.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, four interceptions, 19 passes defended and one forced fumble in his career … in 2025, recorded 36 tackles (22-14-36), 3.0 TFLs, two interceptions and 12 PBUs … tied for third in the Sun Belt in both pass breakups (12) and passes defended (14) in 2025 … logged a career-high three PBUs in the 2025 Sun Belt Championship versus Troy (Dec. 5) … also operated as James Madison's primary kick returner as a true freshman in 2023, averaging 21.3 per return.
Chase Barry / P / 6-4 / 205 / Oklahoma State / San Juan Capistrano, Calif. / JSerra Catholic HS
Formerly competed at UCLA from 2022-24 … transferred to Oklahoma State for the 2025 season where he played in just one game (season opener) … has played in 14 games over four seasons … was the Bruins' primary holder for the 2024 season, going without a mis-handled snap all year … punted once during the 2025 campaign at Oklahoma State, which went for 52 yards inside the 20.
Gavin Blum / DL / 6-3 / 280 / Saddleback College / San Juan Capistrano, Calif. / San Juan Hills HS
One-year letterwinner at Saddleback College (Mission Viejo, Calif.) … named a First Team All-American All-California Region III First Team by the California Community College Football Coaches Association in his true freshman season … also named All-Southern League First Team … helped Saddleback win the Southern League regular-season title … totaled 35 tackles (17-18-35), 10.0 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery … named All-CIF Southern Section Division 2 in his senior season at San Juan Hills High School in 2024 … honored as the 2024 Bravo League Defensive Lineman of the Year.
Darold DeNgohe / DL / 6-2 / 298 / Rutgers / Philadelphia, Pa. / La Salle College HS
One-year letterwinner at Rutgers (2025) … one-year letterwinner at James Madison (2023-24) … played in two games in his true freshman season at James Madison in 2023, earning a redshirt … has played in 18 games in his career … totaled 28 tackles (11-17-28), 6.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack and one block in his redshirt freshman season at James Madison in 2024.
Ty Dieffenbach / QB / 6-6 / 220 / Cal Poly / Calabasas, Calif. / Agoura HS
One-year letterwinner at Cal Poly (2025) and one-year letterwinner at Pittsburgh (2023-24) … has two years of remaining eligibility … redshirted his true freshman season at Pittsburgh in 2023 … has played in 12 career games … played in 11 contests at Cal Poly in 2025, leading the Mustangs' quarterback room with 1,305 passing yards, nine passing touchdowns and a 56.8 completion percentage (92-of-162) … threw for 4,153 yards and 48 touchdowns during his three seasons as a prep QB at Agoura High School … during injury-hindered senior season, passed for 867 yards and nine TDs … posted career-high passing numbers with 2,669 yards and 34 touchdowns as a junior in 2021 … began his high school career as a wide receiver … was the ace on Agoura's baseball team, earning team MVP honors.
Landon Ellis / WR / 6-1 / 212 / James Madison / Orange, Va. / Woodberry Forest HS
One-year letterwinner at James Madison (2025) and two-year letterwinner at FCS Richmond (2023-24) … has one year of eligibility remaining … has played in 39 games, making 28 starts … has led his teams in receiving yards in each of the last two seasons … has totaled 1,426 receiving yards on 106 catches, including 10 touchdowns, in his career … has posted three 100-plus-yard receiving performances … earned All-Sun Belt Conference Third Team recognition in his lone season at James Madison … led the Dukes with 624 receiving yards on 36 catches and was tied for the team lead with five receiving touchdowns … has three games with 80-plus yards in 2025, including a 120-yard, three-touchdown performance versus Louisiana (Oct. 11, 2025) … led Richmond with 588 receiving yards, 50 catches and four touchdowns his sophomore season in 2024 … posted a career-high 131-yard performance at Delaware State (Oct. 19, 2024) … recorded 214 yards on 20 catches in his true freshman season, starting seven games … as a senior at Woodberry Forest High School, was named the 2022 Virginia Prep League Player of the Year … also the 2022 Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association state champion in the 4x100m relay.
Tyson Ford / DL / 6-5 / 300 / California / St. Louis, Mo. / John Burroughs HS
One-year letterwinner at California (2025) and one-year letterwinner at Notre Dame (2023-24) … has two years of remaining eligibility … earned a redshirt for his true freshman season at Notre Dame after playing in two games … has played in nine career games … played in seven games in a reserve role at California in 2025, logging three tackles … consensus four-star recruit by 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN out of John Burroughs High School … ranked as the No. 9 strong side defensive end nationally and No. 2 player from Missouri by Rivals … ranked as the No. 25 defensive lineman nationally and No. 2 player from Missouri by 247Sports.
Osiris Gilbert / DB / 5-9 / 175 / Connecticut / Duluth, Ga. / Peachtree Ridge HS
One-year letterwinner at UConn (2025) … played in all 12 games as a true freshman, logging 19 tackles (12-7-19), 0.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups and one forced fumble … logged a season-high seven tackles and one PBU at Delaware (Sept. 13, 2025) … consensus three-star recruit out of high school according to 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN … also a track and field athlete at Peachtree Ridge, participating in the 200m.
Aiden Gobaira / DL / 6-4 / 254 / James Madison / Fairfax, Va. / Chantilly HS
One-year letterwinner at James Madison (2025) … enrolled at Notre Dame for 2022-24, but did not compete due to injury … named a 2025 All-Sun Belt Conference Third Team honoree … played in all 14 games, making one start for the Dukes … totaled 38 tackles (18-20-38), 7.5 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks … ranked third on the team in sacks … consensus four-star recruit out of high school, according to 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN … semifinalist for the 2021 Maxwell Football Club National High School Defensive Player of the Year … recorded 16.0 sacks in just eight games his senior year in 2021.
Marcus Harris / WR / 6-1 / 190 / Washington / Eastvale, Calif. / Mater Dei HS
One-year letterwinner at Washington (2025) … played in only one game in his true freshman season, coming in the Huskies' 2025 LA Bowl victory over Boise State (Dec. 13, 2025) … played varsity all four seasons at Mater Dei High School … as a senior in 2024, helped lead Mater Dei to an 12-0 overall record and a 5-0 mark in Trinity League play … won the CIF Southern Section Division 1 championship, with a title-game win over St. John Bosco … qualified for the state of California's top-level state championship final, the Open Division final vs. De La Salle …caught 28 passes for 459 yard in 2024 … as a junior in 2023, earned first-team All-CIF-SS Division 1 and second-team All-Trinity League … had 43 receptions for 644 yards and six TDs as a junior … in 2023, helped lead the Monarchs to an 13-1 overall record and the CIF State Championship Open Division championship, blanking Junipero Serra, 35-0, in the championship game … won the CIF Southern Section playoffs, avenging only loss by beating St. John Bosco, 35-7, in the title game … finished the 2023 season ranked No. 3 in the nation by both USA Today and MaxPreps … team went 12-1 overall, 5-0 in the Trinity League and reached the CIF-SS Division I championship game in 2022, when he caught 25 passes for 644 yards and 12 touchdowns … also on the varsity roster as a freshman in 2021, helping Mater Dei go 12-0 and win the CIF-SS Division 1 championship and Open Division championship … Monarchs finished 2021 season ranked No. 1 in the final USA Today poll … rated the No. 35 overall recruit in California and No. 50 wide receiver in the country by 247Sports.
Malik Hartford / DB / 6-2 / 200 / Ohio State / West Chester, Ohio / Lakota West HS
Two-year letterwinner at Ohio State (2023-25) … earned a redshirt in his true junior season in 2025, playing in only four games … has played in 27 games over his career, including two starts both coming as a true freshman in 2023 … played in all 14 games in the secondary and special teams during Ohio State's national championship season in 2024 … has totaled 20 tackles (10-10-20) and three pass breakups in his career … was a four-star recruit and the No. 4 player out of Ohio according to 247Sports … named the Greater Miami [OH] Conference Defensive Player of the Year as a senior in 2022 … also selected by the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association as the Division I Southwest District Defensive Player of the Year and co-Division I Defensive Player of the Year.
Dallin Havea / LB/EDGE / 6-2 / 250 / Utah Tech / Orem, Utah / Provo HS
One-year letterwinner at Utah Tech (2025) … earned a redshirt for his true freshman season at BYU (2024) … has three years of remaining eligibility … played in all 12 games in 2025, making starts in six of the last eight contests … recorded 43 tackles (20-23-43), 6.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, two pass breakups, three quarterback hurries and one fumble recovery … logged eight tackles and 2.0 sacks in his first-career cation against UC Davis (Aug. 30, 2025) … consensus three-star recruit out of Provo High School … rated as the No. 18 recruit out of Utah by 247Sports … earned three varsity letters, helping Provo to the Region 8 title in 2019 … also was a running back, rushing for 1,301 yards (7.1 yards per carry) as a junior in 2022.
Mack Indestad / OL / 6-8 / 308 / Eastern Michigan / Lemont, Ill. / Lemont Township HS
Three-year letterwinner at Eastern Michigan (2022-25) … has one year of remaining eligibility … did not see action in his both his true freshman (2022) and redshirt freshman seasons (2023) … played in 13 games, including nine starts, over the last two years … started four games at left tackle in 2025 … started four games at left tackle in 2024, including the final three of the season … ranked as three-star recruit out of Lemont Township High School by 247Sports … led Lemont Township to an 11-1 season as a senior in 2021, recording 60 pancake blocks and allowing just two hurries.
Ta'Shawn James / DB / 6-1 / 215 / Iowa State / Oklahoma City, Okla. / Carl Albert HS
Two-year letterwinner at Iowa State (2023-25) … has two years of eligibility remaining … played four games in his true freshman season in 2023, earning a redshirt … has played in 26 games, making eight starts … saw action in eight games, including six starts, before suffering a season-ending injury in 2025 … has totaled 79 tackles (45-34-79), six passes defended, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble in his career.
Tao Johnson / DB / 6-1 / 200 / Utah / Idaho Falls, Idaho / Thunder Ridge HS
Three-year letterwinner at Utah (2022-25) … earned a redshirt for his true freshman season after appearing in five contests (2022) … has played in 42 games, including 34 starts, over his career … has made 22 starts at safety and 12 at nickel … has totaled 154 tackles (84-70-154), 6.0 tackles for loss, three interceptions, 16 passes defended, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
Wayne Knight / RB / 5-6 / 189 / James Madison / Smyrna, Del. / Smyrna HS
Three-year letterwinner at James Madison (2022-25) … has one year of eligibility remaining … redshirted his sophomore season in 2023 after playing just four games … has played in 39 games, making 16 starts … has totaled 1,837 rushing yards on 293 carries and 11 touchdowns … has totaled 608 receiving yards on 61 catches and three touchdowns … 2025 Paul Hornung Award Finalist … 2025 Associated Press Second Team All-American as an all-purpose player … 2025 All-Sun Belt First Team honoree … 2025 Sun Belt Conference Rushing Champion with 1,373 yards … set the James Madison single-season record and led the entire FBS with 2,039 all-purpose yards in 2025 … ranked fifth in the FBS with 6.63 yards per carry and seventh with 1,3737 rushing yards … posted five 100-yard rushing performances and six games with at least 150 all-purpose yards in 2025 … topped 200 yards rushing for the first time in his career with 212 in the Sun Belt Championship versus Troy, which set a title game record (Dec. 5, 2025).
Dylan Lee / RB / 6-1 / 215 / Iowa State / Gilbert, Ariz. / Williams Field HS
One-year letterwinner at Iowa State (2024-25) … played in two games in his true freshman season in 2024, earning a redshirt … has three years of remaining eligibility … has played in 13 career games … played 11 games last season, rushing 25 times for 117 yards and a touchdown … posted a career-high 13 carries for 81 yards and a TD against South Dakota (Aug. 30, 2025) … consensus three-star recruit out of high school … ranked as the No. 65 running back in his class by ESPN … totaled 3,594 rushing yards in his final two seasons at Williams Field High School … led Arizona Class 6A in rush yards (2,012) and touchdowns (27) in 2023 … broke the Arizona High School Class 6A single-game rushing record with 518 yards on 27 carries in a 49-27 victory over Scottsdale Chaparral during the 2022 season.
Brayden Loftin / TE / 6-5 / 230 / Kansas State / Omaha, Neb. / Lewis Central HS [IA]
Two-year letterwinner at Kansas State (2022-25) … has two years of remaining eligibility … earned a redshirt for his true freshman season in 2023 … has played in 31 career games, including one start … has totaled 17 receptions for 180 yards, including two touchdowns in his career … recorded his best season as a redshirt freshman in 2024, totaling 125 receiving yards on 11 catches and two TDs … helped Lewis Central High School win the state championship his senior year in 2022, hauling in a game-winning TD pass to secure a 32-24 victory in 3OT.
Dante Lovett / DB / 6-0 / 190 / Virginia Tech / Crofton, Md. / DeMatha Catholic HS
Two-year letterwinner at Virginia Tech (2023-25) … has two years of eligibility remaining … redshirted his junior season in 2025 after playing just three games … has played in 29 games, making two starts (both in his sophomore season in 2024) … has totaled 36 tackles (22-14-36), 0.5 tackles for loss, one interception, seven pass breakups and one fumble recovery.
Ryan McCulloch / EDGE/LB / 6-3 / 255 / California / Arcadia, Calif. / Rio Hondo Preparatory School
Two-year letterwinner at California (2023-24) … possesses two years of remaining eligibility after redshirting the 2025 season … played in 26 games over his three-year Golden Bear career … was mentored by new UCLA linebackers coach Vic So'oto … has totaled 38 tackles (19-19-38), 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, three pass breakups and one fumble recovery … as a sophomore in 2024, tallied career-highs in tackles (18), tackles for loss (4.5) and sacks (3.0) … listed as a consensus three-star recruit out of high school … earned Gold Coast League Defensive MVP, All-CIF-SS First Team and All-Gold Coast honors as a senior in 2022 … three-sport prep athlete, participating on Rio Hondo's basketball and baseball teams.
Michael McDonald / OL / 6-6 / 330 / Fullerton College / Los Angeles, Calif. / Dorsey HS
One-year letterwinner at Fullerton College (2025) … has three years of remaining eligibility … played in 10 of 11 games, helping Fullerton to an 8-3 overall record in 2025 … helped Fullerton rush for 211.1 yards per game and 27 touchdowns in addition to averaging 39.5 points per game … attended Dorsey High School.
Jhase McMillan / DB / 5-9 / 157 / Montana State / Fulshear, Texas / Katy Thompkins HS
One-year letterwinner at FCS Montana State (2024-25) … possesses three years of remaining eligibility … earned a redshirt in his true freshman season in 2024 after playing only four regular season games, in addition to four playoff games … has played in 23 career games, including 15 starts … started 15 of 16 games at cornerback during Montana State's FCS national championship season in 2025 … recorded 43 tackles (31-12-43), 2.0 tackles for loss, four pass breakup and one forced fumble in 2025.
Aiden Mizell / WR / 6-1 ½ / 185 / Florida / Orlando, Fla. / Boone HS
Two-year letterwinner at Florida (2023-25) … possesses two years of remaining eligibility … earned a redshirt for the 2023 season after appearing in two games … has played in 21 games, making seven starts … has totaled 404 receiving yards on 38 catches, including three touchdowns, over his career … recorded 177 receiving yards on 19 catches, including one touchdown, as a redshirt junior in 2025 … finished with 202 receiving yards on 17 catches and two touchdowns as a redshirt sophomore in 2024 … was a consensus four-star recruit out of Boone High School in Orlando, Fla. … ranked as the No. 70 player overall, No. 11 wide receiver and No. 16 Floridian in his class by On3 … compiled 47 receptions for 1,003 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior in 2021 … also a track star, competing in the Florida High School Athletic Association state finals in the 400m and 100m.
Semaj Morgan / WR / 5-10 / 174 / Michigan / Detroit, Mich. / West Bloomfield HS
Three-year letterwinner at Michigan (2023-25) … possesses one year of remaining eligibility … has played in 37 games, making seven starts at wide receiver … also contributed as a returner throughout his career … two-time All-Big Ten Honorable Mention selection as a return specialist (2023 and 2024) … has totaled 566 receiving yards on 69 catches, including four touchdowns, in his career … has returned 25 punts for an average of 9.2 yards per return … has returned 12 kicks for 186 yards for an average of 15.5 yards per return (all during his freshman season) … helped Michigan win the 2023 National Championship.
Sean Na'a / OL / 6-3 / 305 / Arizona State / Inglewood, Calif. / St. John Bosco HS
Two-year letterwinner at Arizona State (2023-25) … earned a redshirt for his true sophomore season in 2024 after playing in five games … has two years of remaining eligibility … has played in 24 career games, including seven starts all coming in his true freshman season … was one of just 20 true freshman in FBS to play 400-plus snaps in 2023 … started those seven games at left guard … consensus three-star recruit out of national powerhouse St. John Bosco High School … helped lead the Braves to the CIF-SS Open Division championship in 2022.
Sammy Omosigho / LB / 6-1 / 235 / Oklahoma / Heartland, Texas / Crandall HS
Three-year letterwinner at Oklahoma (2023-25) … has one remaining year of eligibility … has played in 36 career games, making three starts all in his sophomore year in 2024 … has played in all 26 games the last two seasons … in a reserve linebacker role in 2025, Omosigho ranked fifth on the Sooners with 50 total tackles (28-22-50) in addition to posting 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, three pass breakups and one fumble recovery … over his three-year career, has totaled 97 tackles (50-47-97), 10.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, four PBUs and one fumble recovery and forced fumble … was a consensus four-star recruit out of high school and a top-200 national recruit by 247Sports (No. 67), On3 (No. 100) and ESPN (No. 115).
Derek Osman / OL / 6-4 / 305 / Harvard / Mercer Island, Wash. / Choate Rosemary Hall HS [CT]
Three-year letterwinner at Harvard (2022-25) … has one year of remaining eligibility … earned a redshirt for his true freshman season in 2023 … has played in 29 career games … named All-Ivy League Honorable Mention in 2025.
Joshua Phifer / TE / 6-5 / 258 / James Madison / Peachtree City, Ga. / Starr's Mill HS
Two-year letterwinner at James Madison (2023-25) … possesses two years of remaining eligibility … redshirted his true freshman season in 2023 … has played in 27 career games and made three starts, all coming in his redshirt freshman season in 2024 … has totaled 81 receiving yards on six catches, including two touchdowns … recorded 40 receiving yards on four catches in his redshirt sophomore season in 2025 … caught a 37-yard touchdown pass on his first career reception at App State on Nov. 23, 2024 … played in four regular-season games and the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl as a true freshman, but did not record any statistics … as a senior at Starr's Mill High School (Fayetteville, Ga.) in 2022, was named All-Southside Metro tight end by the Atlanta Journal Constitution and All-State tight end by the Georgia High School Athletic Association … was a regional champion and state qualifier in discus.
JD Rayner / OL / 6-4 / 277 / James Madison / Canton, Mass. / Catholic Memorial HS
Played in one game (season opener versus Weber State) during his true freshman season at James Madison (2025) … possesses four years of remaining eligibility … three-year starter on the offensive line at Catholic Memorial High School (West Roxbury, Mass.) … started every game at right tackle his senior year at Catholic Memorial … three-star recruit out of high school, according to 247Sports and Rivals … ranked as the 162nd offensive tackle prospect in the country and 14th overall from Massachusetts by 247Sports … New England Football Journal Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) All-State First Team as a senior and Honorable Mention as a junior … also played defensive tackle and tight end … led Catholic Memorial to MIAA Division 2 state championships in 2024, 2022 and 2021 … had a 44-4 career record with Catholic Memorial.
Riley Robell / OL / 6-2 / 290 / James Madison / Harrisburg, Pa. / Bishop McDevitt HS
Two-year letterwinner at James Madison (2023-25) … possesses two years of remaining eligibility … redshirted his true freshman season in 2023 … ranked as the No. 7 interior offensive lineman and 149th overall in the 2026 transfer portal class by 247Sports … has played in 19 career games, making 11 starts at right guard in 2025 and one start at left guard in 2024 … named an All-Sun Belt Conference Second Team selection in 2025 … helped James Madison rank 11th in FBS in scoring with 37.1 points per game and 17th with 452.6 total yards per game … blocked for Sun Belt Player of the Year quarterback Alonza Barnett III and Paul Hornung Award Finalist running back Wayne Knight … named to the Class 4A All-State First Team by the Pennsylvania Football Writers Association as a defensive lineman his senior year in 2022 … named the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year by the Mid Penn Keystone Conference … named to the All-Mid Penn Keystone Conference First Team three times in 2022, 2021 and 2020 … helped Bishop McDevitt win the 2022 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) state championship and place runner-up in 2021 … ranked as the top defensive tackle in the Pennsylvania Class 4A … dual-sport athlete that was a state wrestling champion, reaching 100-plus career wins.
Brian Rowe Jr. / WR / 5-11 / 170 / South Carolina / Concord, N.C. / Jay M. Robinson HS
One-year letterwinner at South Carolina (2025) … played in 11 of 12 games with four starts … totaled 149 receiving yards on 19 catches, including one touchdown … recorded a season-high 50 receiving yards on three catches with a touchdown at Missouri (Sept. 20) … logged 120 catches for 2,332 yards and 31 touchdowns over three seasons at Jay M. Robinson High School … caught 46 passes for 935 yards with 11 touchdowns as a senior in 2024 … also played basketball and track and field.
Maxwell Roy / DT / 6-3 / 301 / Ohio State / Philadelphia, Pa. / St. Joseph's Preparatory School
Earned a redshirt for his true freshman season at Ohio State in 2025 … has four years of remaining eligibility … consensus four-star recruit out of St. Joseph's Preparatory School … also was a member of the wrestling and track and field team (thrower) … was ranked as the 33rd defensive line prospect in the country and No. 9 overall prospect from Pennsylvania by 247Sports … was ranked as the 21st defensive line recruit nationally and No. 6 overall recruit from Pennsylvania by ESPN.
Anthony Sacca / LB / 6-3 / 240 / Notre Dame / Delran, N.J. / St. Joseph's Preparatory School [PA]
Did not see game action in his true freshman season at Notre Dame in 2025, preserving a redshirt … four-star recruit out of high school according to ESPN and Rivals, and three-star according to 247Sports and On3 … helped St. Joseph's win the 2022 and 2023 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Class 6A state championships … also played baseball in high school … father, Tony, was a quarterback at Penn State and second round draft pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 1992 … mother played soccer at West Virginia.
Hall Schmidt / OL / 6-7 / 310 / Boise State / Gig Harbor, Wash. / Peninsula HS
Three-year letterwinner at Boise State (2022-25) … has played in 16 games, making 12 starts at right tackle (all in 2024) … blocked for Heisman Award runner-up running back Ashton Jeanty in 2024 … the Broncos rushed for 3,365 yards in 2024, most in Boise State's FBS history … allowed one sack in 329 opportunities in 2024 … was a three-star recruit out of high school, according to 247Sports and ESPN … named the 3A South Sound Conference Lineman of the Year in 2021 and 2022.
Leland Smith / WR / 6-4 / 215 / San Jose State / Houston, Texas / Strake Jesuit College Preparatory
Lettered one year each at San Jose State (2025), Purdue (2024) and Fullerton College (2023) … possesses one year of remaining eligibility … has played in 24 games at the FBS level … earned All-Mountain West Honorable Mention in 2025 … recorded career highs with 43 receptions, 688 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 2025 … his 688 receiving yards were eighth-most in the Mountain West … posted four 100-yard receiving performances, including a career-high 144 on nine catches against Air Force (Nov. 8) … appeared in all 12 games while attending Purdue in 2024, recording six catches, 72 yards and two touchdowns … played nine games at Fullerton College in 2023, recording 26 catches for 655 yards and nine touchdowns.
Drew Spinogatti / LB / 6-0 / 228 / James Madison / Winter Garden, Fla. / Bishop Moore Catholic HS
One-year letterwinner at James Madison (2025) and two-year letterwinner at Holy Cross (2023-24) … has one season of remaining eligibility … has played in 36 career games, making 17 starts … tallied six tackles and a 22-yard scoop-and-score touchdown vs. Troy in the Sun Belt Football Championship (Dec. 5, 2025) … in 2025, recorded 55 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, two fumble recoveries and three pass breakups … started all 12 games in his sophomore season at Holy Cross in 2024, logging 71 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble and one PBU.
Carter Sweazie / OL / 6-1 / 327 / James Madison / Ashburn, Va. / Stone Bridge HS
Three-year letterwinner at James Madison (2022-25) … earned a redshirt during his true freshman season in 2022 … has one year of eligibility remaining … earned All-Sun Belt Conference Third Team honors in 2025 … has played in 34 games, making 23 starts (all at left guard) … started all 14 games in 2025 at left guard … helped James Madison rank 11th in FBS in scoring with 37.1 points per game and 17th with 452.6 total yards per game … blocked for Sun Belt Player of the Year quarterback Alonza Barnett III and Paul Hornung Award Finalist running back Wayne Knight.
Amier Washington / DL / 6-2 / 270 / Texas Tech / Orange, Texas / Little Cypress-Mauriceville HS
Two-year letterwinner at Texas Tech (2023-25) … has two years of remaining eligibility … earned a redshirt his true freshman season in 2023 after playing only two games, including the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl … has played in 26 games, including three starts at outside linebacker all as a redshirt freshman in 2024 … logged 4.0 tackles for loss, including 2.0 sacks, and a forced fumble in his second career game at the 2023 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl … in his career, has totaled 21 tackles (11-10-21), 6.0 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and one forced fumble … helped Texas Tech reach the CFP and win the Big 12 Championship as a reserve lineman in 2025.
Sahir West / DL / 6-3 / 269 / James Madison / Baltimore, Md. / Mount St. Joseph HS
One-year letterwinner in his true freshman season at James Madison (2025) … started all 14 games at defensive end … named the 2025 Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year … named a Freshman All-American by The Athletic … ranked second among all freshmen in the FBS and fifth overall in the Sun Belt with 7.0 sacks … totaled 45 tackles (16-29-45), 14.0 tackles for loss, one forced fumble and four pass breakups … set the Sun Belt title game record with 5.5 sacks and 3.0 sacks, in addition to recording a forced fumble, against Troy (Dec. 5, 2025).
2026 UCLA Football Transfer Portal Signees (40)
| Name | Pos. | Ht. | Wt. | Previous School (Hometown) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stevie Amar Jr. | TE | 6-2 | 228 | Boston College (Oxnard, Calif.) |
| DJ Barksdale | DB | 5-7 | 180 | James Madison (Rock Hill, S.C.) |
| Chase Barry | P | 6-4 | 205 | Oklahoma State (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.) |
| Gavin Blum | DL | 6-3 | 280 | Saddleback College (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.) |
| Darold DeNgohe | DL | 6-2 | 298 | Rutgers (Philadelphia, Pa.) |
| Ty Dieffenbach | QB | 6-6 | 220 | Cal Poly (Calabasas, Calif.) |
| Landon Ellis | WR | 6-1 | 212 | James Madison (Orange, Va.) |
| Tyson Ford | DL | 6-5 | 300 | California (St. Louis, Mo.) |
| Osiris Gilbert | DB | 5-9 | 175 | UConn (Duluth, Ga.) |
| Aiden Gobaira | DL | 6-4 | 254 | James Madison (Fairfax, Va.) |
| Marcus Harris | WR | 6-1 | 190 | Washington (Eastvale, Calif.) |
| Malik Hartford | DB | 6-2 | 200 | Ohio State (West Chester, Ohio) |
| Dallin Havea | LB/EDGE | 6-2 | 250 | Utah Tech (Orem, Utah) |
| Mack Indestad | OL | 6-8 | 308 | Eastern Michigan (Lemont, Ill.) |
| Ta'Shawn James | DB | 6-1 | 215 | Iowa State (Oklahoma City, Okla.) |
| Tao Johnson | DB | 6-1 | 200 | Utah (Idaho Falls, Idaho) |
| Wayne Knight | RB | 5-6 | 189 | James Madison (Smyrna, Del.) |
| Dylan Lee | RB | 6-1 | 215 | Iowa State (Gilbert, Ariz.) |
| Brayden Loftin | TE | 6-5 | 230 | Kansas State (Omaha, Neb.) |
| Dante Lovett | DB | 6-0 | 190 | Virginia Tech (Crofton, Md.) |
| Ryan McCulloch | LB/EDGE | 6-3 | 255 | California (Arcadia, Calif.) |
| Michael McDonald | OL | 6-6 | 330 | Fullerton College (Los Angeles, Calif.) |
| Jhase McMillan | DB | 5-9 | 157 | Montana (Fulshear, Texas) |
| Aiden Mizell | WR | 6-1 ½ | 185 | Florida (Orlando, Fla.) |
| Semaj Morgan | WR | 5-10 | 174 | Michigan (Detroit, Mich.) |
| Sean Na'a | OL | 6-3 | 305 | Arizona State (Inglewood, Calif.) |
| Sammy Omosigho | LB | 6-1 | 235 | Oklahoma (Heartland, Texas) |
| Derek Osman | OL | 6-4 | 305 | Harvard (Mercer Island, Wash.) |
| Joshua Phifer | TE | 6-5 | 258 | James Madison (Peachtree City, Ga.) |
| JD Rayner | OL | 6-4 | 277 | James Madison (Canton, Mass.) |
| Riley Robell | OL | 6-2 | 290 | James Madison (Harrisburg, Pa.) |
| Brian Rowe Jr. | WR | 5-11 | 170 | South Carolina (Concord, N.C.) |
| Maxwell Roy | DT | 6-3 | 301 | Ohio State (Philadelphia, Pa.) |
| Anthony Sacca | LB | 6-3 | 240 | Notre Dame (Delran, N.J.) |
| Hall Schmidt | OL | 6-7 | 310 | Boise State (Gig Harbor, Wash.) |
| Leland Smith | WR | 6-4 | 215 | San Jose State (Houston, Texas) |
| Drew Spinogatti | LB | 6-0 | 228 | James Madison (Winter Garden, Fla.) |
| Carter Sweazie | OL | 6-1 | 327 | James Madison (Ashburn, Va.) |
| Amier Washington | DL | 6-2 | 270 | Texas Tech (Orange, Texas) |
| Sahir West | DL | 6-3 | 269 | James Madison (Baltimore, Md.) |