The NCAA transfer portal was launched in 2018 and has since revolutionized college football, giving players greater flexibility to seek out new opportunities while enabling programs to address roster needs efficiently.
The UCLA Bruins’ approach has proven transformational, bringing in talent that has elevated the team’s performance and potential. Let’s rank the biggest transfer portal additions in UCLA’s history, spotlighting their impact and the hope they bring.
Ranking UCLA Football’s Biggest Transfer Portal Acquisitions
1. EDGE Laiatu Latu
Former School: Washington
The defensive star’s path to UCLA was anything but ordinary. He began as a standout at Washington, but his career witnessed a great setback when a neck injury led to a medical retirement following his freshman year. Reluctant to let his football dreams wane, Latu sought a second opinion, was cleared to return, and transferred to UCLA in 2021.
His arrival was nothing but the beginning of a remarkable turnaround. In Latu’s first season with the Bruins, he showcased elite pass-rushing ability, consistently disrupting opponents’ offense with sacks and tackles for loss.
However, 2022 was when he truly cemented his legacy. Leading the nation in sacks and tackles for loss, he was presented the Lombardi Award and consensus All-American honors. Latu’s production and resilience make him the peak of UCLA’s transfer portal success.
2. RB Zach Charbonnet
Former School: Michigan
Charbonnet moved from Michigan to UCLA in 2020/ He was a skillful running back seeking a larger role who had been overshadowed in a crowded backfield at Michigan, but UCLA offered the perfect stage to showcase his skills. Charbonnet became the heartbeat of the offense.
In his first season, he covered 1,000 rushing yards and had a significant double-digit touchdown total, earning second-team All-Pac-12 recognition. In 2021, he built on that success, again surpassing the 1,000-yard mark and leading the Bruins to a bowl game appearance.
His stellar collegiate display cleared the way for a second-round pick in the NFL Draft, emphasizing his status as one of UCLA’s most impactful and successful transfer portal additions.
3. QB Nico Iamaleava
Former School: Tennessee
Nico Iamaleava’s transfer to UCLA recently sent shockwaves through college football, representing one of the most high-profile acquisitions in the program’s history. A Long Beach native and former five-star recruit, Iamaleava originally committed to Tennessee, where he made a prompt splash.
RELATED: UCLA Officially Lands Tennessee Transfer Nico Iamaleava
In his debut season as the Volunteers’ starting QB, he guided the team to the College Football Playoff, showcasing an uncommon blend of arm strength, mobility, and control under pressure. Yet, his tenure in Knoxville halted abruptly after a publicized dispute over his NIL contract, prompting his entry into the transfer portal.
His move was a great win for the Bruins, filling a vacuum at the game’s most important position. With a proven track record against top-tier competition and a skill set tailor-made for modern offenses, he is expected to vie for the starting role immediately.
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