Two UCLA Players Generating Transfer Portal Buzz

The Bruins didn't lose a single player during the 30-day transfer window following DeShaun Foster's firing.

Aug 30, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; Utah Utes safety Jackson Bennee (23) on offense misses catching a pass against the defense of UCLA Bruins defensive back Jadyn Marshall (18) during the first half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

To the surprise of many, the UCLA Bruins didn't lose a single player during the 30-day transfer window they were afforded following the dismissal of DeShaun Foster over a month ago.

Jul 24, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster speaks to the media during the Big Ten NCAA college football media days at Mandalay Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images | Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

Not only is that an indictment on the culture that interim head coach Tim Skipper was able to create amid a rough time in Westwood, it shows their commitment to keeping talent at all costs. Two names stand out as players the Bruins should aim at keeping at all costs -- quarterback Nico Iamaleava and cornerback Rodrick Pleasant.

Both players transferred in and are providing some of the most impact as Skipper and UCLA turn the season around.

The Athletic's Antonio Morales and Sam Khan Jr. took a look at some of the early impact transfers and what may be in store for them when the window opens again in the winter. Pleasant and Iamaleava were two names that came up.

Pleasant Has Payed Off:

Oct 4, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins interim head coach Tim Skipper (left) and new offensive coordinator Jerry Neuheisel (right) on the sideline during second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The writers highlighted the junior transfer as a player that UCLA got right this season.

"The former Oregon defensive back has been a solid presence in the Bruins’ secondary, with a team-high four pass breakups and 1.5 tackles for loss."

Sep 27, 2025; Evanston, Illinois, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive back Rodrick Pleasant (18) defends Northwestern Wildcats wide receiver Hayden Eligon II (80) during the second half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

Iamaleava's Uncertain Future:

Then, they moved on to the Bruins' signal-caller, who, despite a rough start to the season, has turned things around for the better.

Sep 27, 2025; Evanston, Illinois, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) passes the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

• "At Big Ten media days, UCLA QB Nico Iamaleava (five-star in 2023) said he’d jump to the NFL if he had a productive season with the Bruins. He got off to a brutal start but has been outstanding the past two weeks in wins over Penn State and Michigan State."

• "Will this continue and lead to an early declaration for the NFL Draft? If he stays in college, will he stick with UCLA and its new coach or look for another opportunity elsewhere?"

UCLA's Nico Iamaleava warms up before the football game against Michigan State on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Regardless of what the two impact players and many of their teammates decide to do, Skipper and Jerry Neuheisel have already made it hard for each and every player who had the choice to leave.

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