2023/2024 Transfer Portal Recap – UCLA

By Mark Pszonak

With action in the transfer portal slowing down, it is time to take a closer look at how each P4 school did during this cycle. Up now are the UCLA Bruins

The skinny: The Chip Kelly experiment is over in Los Angeles. Now it is DeShaun Foster’s turn to try and rejuvenate a program that hasn’t had a 10-win season since 2014. While this is Foster’s first opportunity as a head coach, his early returns have been positive as the ex-Bruins running back has brought back excitement into the program, while also quickly gaining the respect of current and former players. This helped him retain a good portion of his roster, while also plugging a few holes that needed attention through the portal.

Total # entries into portal: 23

Total # of scholarship players who entered portal: 17

Number of scholarship players who withdrew: 3

Key losses: QB Dante Moore (Oregon), DB Kamari Ramsey (USC), OL Bruno Fina (Duke), DB John Humphrey (USC)

Key additions: OL Michael Carmody (Notre Dame), WR Rico Flores (Notre Dame), DB Rico Henderson (Notre Dame), DB Bryan Addison (Oregon), DB KJ Wallace (Georgia Tech), DE Jacob Busic (Navy), K Mateen Bhaghani (Cal)

Final thoughts: The Bruins had a few priorities in the portal, most notably at defensive back and defensive end. The secondary was solidified by the signings of Rico Henderson, Bryan Addison and KJ Wallace , while the hope is that Jacob Busic , who played well during the spring, will be able to provide a consistent pass rush. Aside from Henderson, the Bruins added two other Notre Dame transfers, Rico Flores and Michael Carmody , who will both be important contributors. Finally, the kicking game was a major sore spot last season, so the job will now be Mateen Bhaghani’s to improve upon. Expectations are limited during Foster's first season, and UCLA's first season in the Big Ten, but if everything falls into place the Bruins have the potential to surprise some people.