Chesney knows the quickest way to success is building through transfer portal

No one had to tell Bob Chesney about his needs in the transfer portal.

Offensive linemen. Defensive linemen. Wide receivers. Tight ends. Linebackers. Defensive backs. A running back. A backup quarterback.

If this were a trip to the local grocer, UCLA’s new football coach would have needed to bring back half the store.

Fortunately for the Bruins, Chesney and his staff supplied the goods. They landed enough players to outfit almost half a roster, the 41 transfers filling every need. Ten players accompanied Chesney from James Madison, intent on another storybook rise after the Dukes reached the College Football Playoff.

There was quality to go with the quantity. Six newcomers were four-star prospects out of high school and two were four-star transfer recruits.

Here are the top takeaways from a class that stands at No. 11 nationally and No. 2 in the Big Ten in the On3.com transfer portal rankings:

What were the positions of strength?

The Bruins loaded up especially well at offensive line, defensive line and wide receiver.

The nine offensive linemen almost comprise a two-deep of transfers for a unit that will need at least three new starters. UCLA appears to have found its starting left tackle in Jordan Davis, who capably filled that role at South Alabama.

Five of the offensive line transfers started at least 10 games at the Football Bowl Subdivision level at their previous stops. That means they have the experience necessary to play immediately in the Big Ten without learning on the job. There’s also so many options now that returning center Sam Yoon could be in danger of losing his starting job if he can’t get his snap problems fixed.

UCLA’s nine defensive line transfers included a few intriguing possibilities at edge rusher. Sahir West should be the playmaker the Bruins lacked last season, causing enough disruption in the backfield to significantly boost the rest of the defense. Fellow James Madison transfer Aiden Gobaira and Cal transfer Ryan McCulloch also have the ability to pile up sacks.

One position group that hasn’t generated buzz consistent with its talent level is wide receiver. That could change as soon as one of the six transfer wideouts beats his man on a deep route for a touchdown.

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Aiden Mizell flashed tantalizing speed at Florida. Semaj Morgan was a part-time starter at Michigan. Brian Rowe Jr. was part of the rotation at South Carolina as a true freshman. Landon Ellis led James Madison in receiving yards in each of the last two seasons. It’s an enticing group with a variety of skills.

Five impact players

Edge Sahir West: His picking the Bruins over Ohio State and Texas A&M showed his faith in Chesney’s ability to win from Day 1. The Sun Belt Conference freshman of the year in 2025 at James Madison, the “Sackmaster” should live up to his nickname at his new home.

OT Jordan Davis: Landing a left tackle with significant experience at the FBS level was a coup. Davis started almost every game over the last three seasons at South Alabama and will likely start for the Bruins.

RB Wayne Knight: Combining speed with exceptional power for his 5-foot-6 frame, Knight is a dynamic talent. Any concerns about his ability to make the transition from James Madison to the Big Ten were erased when he ran for 110 yards against Oregon in the College Football Playoff.

S Tao Johnson: The toughness that Johnson displayed while starting 34 games over three seasons at Utah will be a welcome addition to UCLA’s secondary. Pencil him in as an immediate starter.

LB Sammy Omosigho: He’ll add a veteran presence after appearing in 36 games for Oklahoma and should contend for a starting spot after mostly playing as a reserve as a Sooner.

How does this class position UCLA for the 2026 season?

Given his efforts in the transfer portal, Chesney has built the sort of roster needed for a successful debut season with the Bruins.

Factoring in the return of starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava, guard Eugene Brooks and defensive backs Scooter Jackson, Rodrick Pleasant and Cole Martin, UCLA features enough high-level talent to easily make a bowl game and possibly become a surprise contender in the Big Ten.

Unlike last season, there’s proven players at every position. There’s also enough quality depth that an injury at any given spot isn’t going to be catastrophic.

Checklist complete, it’s time to get cooking.