UCLA Predicted to Land Several Transfer Portal Stars

One insider believes that UCLA could go on a run in the transfer portal.

Jul 29, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; A detailed view of UCLA Bruins helmet during Pac-12 Media Day at Novo Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

UCLA and head coach Bob Chesney secured their first commitment of the 2026 college football transfer portal window on Sunday, and the Bruins are making progress with several more of their top targets in the portal. 

As the Bruins continue to target more prospects, one insider predicted that the program will secure three transfer portal commitments in the coming days. 

Insider Predicts Bruins to Land Three Transfers

Chesney and his staff have been working tirelessly during the first few days of the portal window, as the Bruins have already hosted numerous prospects in Westwood for official visits and are continuing to advance in several players’ recruitments.

Dec 9, 2025; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Bob Chesney is introduced as UCLA Bruins football coach at press conference at Renee Luskin Conference Center Centennial Ballroom. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

While UCLA is poised to bring in a large portal class, Rivals' Greg Biggins recently predicted the Bruins would land three players in particular: Dorian Thomas, a New Mexico tight end transfer; Aidan Mizell, a Florida wide receiver transfer; and Hall Schmidt, a Boise State offensive lineman transfer.

• "There is some strong buzz for the Bruins right now and we’re hearing multiple players are expected to announce following their trips," Biggins wrote. "I went ahead and put in commitment predictions for UCLA to land New Mexico tight end Dorian Thomas , Florida wide out Aidan Mizell and Boise State offensive lineman Hall Schmidt."

Nov 30, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins helmets during pregame warmups before playing the Fresno State Bulldogs at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Although Biggins' prediction is likely well-sourced, it doesn't guarantee that UCLA will land Thomas, Mizell, or Schmidt. Still, it suggests that the Bruins are trending toward all three portal stars and have a strong chance of landing each player.

If the Bruins ultimately land all three, they'd be massive additions to UCLA's offense in 2026. Here's a closer look at each player and their potential impact on the program. 

More on Thomas

Thomas just finished his redshirt sophomore year at New Mexico and had a great 2025 campaign, recording 56 catches for 560 yards and four touchdowns. He would be able to start immediately for the Bruins in 2026.

Dec 26, 2025; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New Mexico Lobos tight end Dorian Thomas (7) against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Rivals’ transfer portal rankings list him as a four-star prospect, the No. 78 overall player in the portal, and the No. 5 tight end. 

More on Mizell

Oct 4, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Aidan Mizell (11) runs with the ball against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images | Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Mizell was a four-star recruit and a top-100 player in the 2023 class, ultimately committing to Florida out of high school. He’s spent the last three seasons with the Gators, totaling 38 catches for 404 yards and three touchdowns. The Bruins desperately need help at wide receiver, and the Florida transfer would be a great addition to the roster.

Rivals’ transfer portal rankings list him as a three-star prospect, the No. 168 overall player in the portal, and the No. 32 wide receiver. 

Sep 3, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive back Adarius Pickett (6) wears Hurricane Harvey sticker on helmet during a NCAA football game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Rose Bowl. The sticker features the state of Texas inside the symbol for a hurricane and a heart over where Houston is located on the state map. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

More on Schmidt

Schmidt is a 6’7”, 285-pound offensive lineman who committed to Boise State as part of their 2022 class. He started 12 games for the Broncos in 2024 but didn’t play in 2025. He’s a versatile lineman who could likely carve out a starting role on UCLA’s offensive line next season.

Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Boise State Broncos offensive tackle Hall Schmidt (65) against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

He doesn’t have a Rivals ranking, but 247Sports’ portal rankings list him as a three-star prospect, No. 1,286 overall player in the portal, and the No. 89 offensive tackle. 

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