Bob Chesney has completely rebuilt this UCLA Bruins roster for the upcoming 2026 college football season. Bob Chesney brought in 42 new players from the transfer portal.With so many players coming to play for UCLA for the upcoming season, let's rank every single player from the portal by how impactful they are going to be next season.42. IOL JD RaynerMay 2, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins coach Bob Chesney reacts during the spring game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThe UCLA offensive line has brought in many pieces, making it difficult for Rayner to find meaningful playing time.41. IOL Derek OsmanMay 2, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins coach Bob Chesney reacts during the spring game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectJust like Rayner, Osman will have a difficult time finding meaningful playing time along the offensive line with so much new talent.40. TE Stevie AmarMay 2, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins coach Bob Chesney reacts during the spring game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectAmar just finished his freshman season at Boston College and didn't touch the field. Amar might not see the field again this year.39. QB Ty DieffenbachSep 6, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Cal Poly Mustangs quarterback Ty Dieffenbach (7) avoids a tackle by Utah Utes defensive end John Henry Daley (90) during the first quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectNico Iamaleava will be the starting QB, unless he gets hurt, Dieffenbach will be fighting for a backup spot on the roster.38. TE Harry LodgeMay 2, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins coach Bob Chesney reacts during the spring game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectWhile more experienced than Amar, Lodge might not see the field much either, as he will be behind two other tight end transfers.37. CB Osiris GilbertMay 2, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins coach Bob Chesney reacts during the spring game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThe Bruins' secondary is already set, and Gilbert will be looking to fight for being a second-string corner for next season.36. P Chase Barry Nov 23, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins place kicker Mateen Bhaghani (94) high fives head coach DeShaun Foster after hitting a first quarter field goal against the USC Trojans at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters ConnectIt's an open competition to be the starting punter, as both Barry and Curtis Gerrand came to UCLA to be the starters. Barry started his career at UCLA, but then went to Oklahoma State, and now comes back hoping to start as a senior.35. IOL Carter SweazieMay 2, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins coach Bob Chesney reacts during the spring game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThe offensive line has been revamped, and there aren't enough spaces for Swazie to start. He can, however, be a good depth piece in case someone gets hurt.34. WR Semaj MorganDec 31, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Semaj Morgan (0) runs with the ball against the Texas Longhorns during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThe wide receiver room is full, and Morgan will be a good player to fill in if someone were to get hurt.33. RB Dylan LeeMay 2, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins coach Bob Chesney reacts during the spring game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectLee will be behind players such as Wayne Knight and others, and there is only one football. He might get a few touches, but most likely when the game is “over” with a few minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.32. S Mason RiveraMay 2, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive back Cole Martin (4) during the spring game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectRivera will be entering a logjam of a safety room, and he could see some playing time when a starter needs to sit for a few plays.31. EDGE Dallin HaveaMay 2, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins coach Bob Chesney reacts during the spring game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectHavea will most likely be a depth piece, as Chensey has already got his starters, who followed him from JMU.30. P Curtis GerrandAug 31, 2024; Honolulu, Hawaii, USA; UCLA Bruins place kicker Mateen Bhaghani (94) makes a field goal against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game against the UCLA Bruins at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters ConnectGerrand just finished his freshman year at Sam Houston and had 64 punts with an average of 43 yards per punt.29. S Malik HartfordOhio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hartford (9) and Sonny Styles (0) react during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectHartford is in the same situation as Rivera, as both will be looked at as depth pieces in the secondary.28. WR Marcus Harris May 2, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins coach Bob Chesney reacts during the spring game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectAnother receiver who will be in a full receiver room, however, unlike Morgan, Harris has a chance to have more of an impact on the field.27. TE Josh PhiferDec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; James Madison Dukes tight end Josh Phifer (89) rushes as Oregon Ducks linebacker Jerry Mixon (54) defends during the second quarter at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectPhifer followed Chesney from James Madison, but will most likely be the second-string tight end behind Brayden Loftin.26. CB Jhase McMillanAug 30, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Kyler Kasper (3) catches a pass during the second half against Montana State Bobcats defensive back Jhase McMillan (1) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectCornerback is a full room, but McMillan is talented enough to find meaningful playing time next season.25. LB Anthony SaccaNotre Dame linebacker Anthony Sacca warms up during a football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, in South Bend. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectThe linebacker room is an open room, and he can potentially find playing time throughout the season.24. LB Drew SpinogattiDec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Jeremiah McClellan (11) runs after making a catch and is tackled by James Madison Dukes linebacker Drew Spinogatti (56) during the third quarter at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectJust like Sacca, Spinogatti will enter an open linebacker room and is talented enough to find meaningful playing time.23. DL Maxwell RoyOct 4, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Darius Taylor (1) runs the ball as Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Maxwell Roy (93) makes the tackle during the second quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectRoy arrives from Ohio State, and with a more open defensive tackle room, he could be a good run stopper for UCLA.22. EGDE Ryan McCullochSep 6, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears linebacker Ryan McCulloch (43) rushes against Texas Southern Tigers offensive lineman Dennis Jones (72) during the third quarter at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectMcCulloch enters his senior season and will be looked at as a potential depth piece along the edge.21. IOL Riley RobellMay 2, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; A general overall view of helmets at the line of scrimmage as UCLA Bruins center Riley Robell (50) snaps the ball during the spring game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectRobell will be following Bob Chesney from JMU and could potentially be a starter for the Bruins next season.20. EDGE Aiden GobairaNotre Dame defensive end Aiden Gobaira (91) during the Notre Dame Blue-Gold Spring Football game on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend.
Ranking All 42 UCLA Football Transfers by Projected 2026 Impact
UCLA has 42 players coming in as transfers. Which players will make the biggest impact?
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