What UCLA Football's Preseason Means for Transfer Portal Future

With so many mouths to feed, it could force others to look for playing time elsewhere.

Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; James Madison Dukes wide receiver Landon Ellis (13) runs after making a catch as Oregon Ducks defensive back Theran Johnson (5) defends during the second quarter at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

UCLA fall camp has produced some interesting storylines thus far, and it seems as if the Bruins have a decent positional battle on their hands. 

With an offense full of transfers, really every job is up for grabs and will go to the best man for the job, as deemed by Bob Chesney and offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy. 

Wideouts Looking Strong Through Camp

Nov 22, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; Washington Huskies safety Rahshawn Clark (2) forces a fumble by UCLA Bruins wide receiver Mikey Matthews (7) during the first half the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

One of the better positional groups this season is none other than the wide receiver room, filled from top to bottom with plenty of transfer talent, as well as Mikey Matthews, one of the only returning weapons on the offensive side of the ball. 

The race to become Nico Iamaleava’s top target is up for grabs, and it seems like a couple of guys are making waves in the race toward targets. Reports across camp have shown that Florida transfer wide receiver Aidan Mizell has looked great thus far and is quickly developing a connection with Iamaleava. 

James Madison’s Landon Ellis, left, pulls down a pass ahead of Oregon’s Na'eem Offord during the third quarter at Autzen Stadium in Eugene Dec. 20, 2025. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

New Faces Look To Carve Out Roles

Another name at the top of the list is James Madison transfer Landon Ellis, who was obviously recruited by Chesney and Kennedy to follow them to Westwood. Ellis comes into the race with quite a head start, as he is familiar with the program and his coaches.  

Of course, Mikey Matthews should have the pre-existing chemistry with Iamaleava as a returning player and should provide familiarity as Iamaleava navigates plenty of new variables heading into this season.

Nov 1, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose State Spartans wide receiver Leland Smith (1) runs for the first down after the catch against Hawaii Rainbow Wahine defensive back Devyn King (24) during the third quarter at CEFCU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Rounding out the list of other contestants are Brian Rowe Jr., the transfer from South Carolina, Samaj Morgan from Michigan, and Leland Smith, a San Jose State transfer wideout who has also been making noise at camp.

With so many mouths to feed, someone is bound to get left out, which could spark transfer desires. Obviously, everyone in the room wants to be in the starting rotation, but with five or six legitimate candidates to fill that role, someone has to be left on the bench. 

Jul 29, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; UCLA Football head coach Bob Chesney speaks during Big Ten Media Days at Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

So, looking way ahead to next offseason, these are the names to watch for players who may hit the portal if the depth chart doesn’t land in their favor. It’s the unfortunate, brutal reality that is college football in today's landscape.  

As playing time is getting dished out, there's plenty of opportunity for some UCLA Bruins to either step up and earn some playing time or look for a way out and find some elsewhere.