The spring transfer portal window is here, and hundreds of players can look for new opportunities, new chances, and new places to call home. UCLA will have a slightly new-look team when it takes the field for the 2025 college football season.
As we are now in the heart of the spring transfer portal window, a lot has happened for the Bruins, both in terms of players coming and leaving. So, what are some of the latest updates regarding UCLA’s college football team regarding the 2025 spring transfer portal window?
Who’s in for UCLA, And Who’s Out for UCLA?
In- QB Nico Iamaleava
On Sunday, Iamaleava announced he would bring his talents from Tennessee to UCLA. After they failed to restructure a deal for Iamaleava’s NIL deal, Tennessee and Iamaleava agreed to mutually part ways. Iamaleava is the immediate favorite to start at the quarterback position for UCLA next season over Joey Aguilar.
Out- IOL Marquise Thorpe-Taylor
A majority of Marquise Thorpe-Taylor’s campus time was spent rehabbing the injury. He will have four years left to play and is expected to be picked up shortly. The departure hasn’t had much of an immediate impact on the Bruins. He was expected to be a depth lineman at most.
Out- RB T.J. Harden
Former UCLA running back T.J. Harden has already found a new school for the upcoming season, joining the SMU Mustangs. Harden had a very successful career with UCLA and was utilized heavily in the first two seasons. However, UCLA became very pass-heavy in 2024, which could have influenced his decision.
Losing Harden is a significant loss for the Bruins. However, they can negate the loss if they can find a serviceable running back who can take most of the workload that Harden gave them. It helps that Iamaleava is a fantastic mobile quarterback.
Out- S Khristian Dunbar-Hawkins
UCLA will lose another redshirt freshman after just one year, this time coming in safety Khristian Dunbar-Hawkins. He was expected to find a role as a depth cornerback this season. He didn’t see any game action in his only year with the program. Dunbar was a three-star prospect and will have four years left to play.
Out- LB Isaiah Patterson
This was just a case of bad timing. With the stacked lineup room at UCLA, there weren’t many chances for freshman linebacker Isaiah Patterson to showcase his skills. Due to a lack of opportunities, it’s understandable why Patterson may want to test the waters. Teams are expected to be hot on Patterson, who has a whole eligibility career remaining.
Out- QB Joey Aguilar
This one was a bummer but certainly not surprising. Joey Aguilar is hitting the transfer portal, hoping to find a new starting job.
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With Iamaleava expected to become UCLA’s next starting quarterback, Aguilar is looking to get some serious reps on the field in his senior season to hopefully take that next step into the NFL by the 2026 NFL Draft.
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