News Summary
The UCLA Bruins are making significant strides in their football and basketball programs for the upcoming season, securing 29 high-profile transfers. Football head coach DeShaun Foster has focused on acquiring top talent from the NCAA transfer portal, while the basketball team has also added promising players to boost its roster. Key acquisitions include a five-star quarterback and various talented athletes from other institutions, indicating UCLA’s commitment to improving competitiveness in both sports.
Los Angeles – The UCLA Bruins have significantly bolstered their football and basketball programs for the upcoming 2025 season with a host of high-profile transfers. Head coach DeShaun Foster has secured 29 transfers, leading to a ranking of 20th in the nation for transfer classes, according to 247Sports. This strategic move aims to enhance team performance and competitiveness in both sports.
Football Transfers
The Bruins have attracted several prominent players from the NCAA’s transfer portal, including Courtland Ford, Cole Martin, and Robert Safford. Courtland Ford, an offensive tackle with one year of eligibility remaining, is expected to take on a crucial role as a de facto starter. He brings experience as a three-star transfer and was rated 21st among offensive tackles in the portal, making him a valuable addition to UCLA’s offensive line. The team has also secured additional offensive line prospects, such as Julian Armella from Florida State University and Eugene Brooks from Oklahoma, to further strengthen this position.
Cole Martin joins the Bruins from Oregon, adding depth to UCLA’s revamped secondary. A former four-star recruit, Martin has championship credentials from his time at Arizona State, where he was part of the team that won the Big 12 championship. Notably, he is the son of UCLA’s secondary coach, Demetrice Martin, which adds a personal connection to his transfer.
Robert Safford announced his decision to transfer to UCLA on December 25 and carries three years of eligibility. Safford was initially a four-star recruit and holds the potential for growth within the program, though he has yet to reach his peak performance in college football.
Basketball Transfers
The UCLA basketball program is also making waves in the transfer market, having signed three new players: Xavier Booker, Jamar Brown, and Steven Jamerson II. Xavier Booker, a 6-foot-11 forward/center from Michigan State, averaged 4.7 points and 2.2 rebounds last season and has two years of eligibility remaining. He is expected to contribute to the Bruins’ frontcourt depth.
Jamar Brown, a 6-foot-5 guard from UMKC, offers strong shooting capabilities and averaged 16.0 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. With one year of eligibility left, he is poised to make an impact in the Bruins’ backcourt. Steven Jamerson II, standing at 6-foot-10, has experience from the University of San Diego, where he averaged 10.0 points and 7.8 rebounds last season, ranking among the top rebounders. He graduated from Crespi High School in Los Angeles and has one year left to play.
Additionally, UCLA added transfer guard Donovan Dent earlier this month, further enhancing their roster depth and talent.
Key Quarterback Acquisition
In a significant move for the football program, five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava from Tennessee has committed to UCLA. He is recognized as the top prospect in ESPN’s transfer portal rankings. Last season, Iamaleava led Tennessee to a College Football Playoff appearance, throwing for 2,616 yards and 19 touchdowns as a starter. His decision to transfer stemmed from a lack of engagement at Tennessee, including unresponsive attendance at practices and meetings. Iamaleava has a history with UCLA, having been scouted by the team out of high school, and he has a brother who previously committed to the Bruins.
Recent Performance Challenges
Despite the influx of talent, UCLA’s football offense faced challenges last season, ranking No. 14 in scoring and No. 12 in total offense in the Big Ten. The incoming transfers aim to address these issues and improve the team’s overall performance, providing much-needed reinforcements across the roster.
As both the football and basketball programs continue to evolve, these strategic acquisitions signal a proactive approach to building competitive teams capable of succeeding at the highest levels of college sports.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Longhorns Wire
- UCLA Bruins Official Site
- ESPN
- SI: Bruins Football Podcast
- Google Search: UCLA transfers 2025
