UCLA Bruins Football: Defensive Transfer Portal Additions for 2026

By / Big Ten, UCLA / Leave a Comment
UCLA Football, UCLA Bruins, Bob Chesney, The League Winners

The UCLA Bruins are entering the 2026 season hoping to turn its football program around. New head coach Bob Chesney has been at the center of the rebuild, and his 20 offensive transfer portal additions were just one half of the equation. The other half consists of the 19 incoming defensive players from the transfer portal to the UCLA football squad.

UCLA Football Transfer Portal: Defensive Additions

The Blue and Gold capped their 2025 campaign, allowing opposing offenses to rack up 33.4 points and 387 yards per game, while only managing nine takeaways and 10 sacks. For a winning season to be attainable, the transfers will be relied upon to improve on those aspects.

Defensive Line

UCLA has had a lot of work to do to rekindle the trenches after losing nearly all its rotational pieces. The names inbound are Sahir West (JMU), Aiden Gobaira (JMU), Ryan McCulloch (Cal), Tyson Ford (Cal), Amier Washington (Texas Tech), Maxwell Roy (Ohio State), Darold DeNgohe (Rutgers) and Dallin Havea (Utah Tech).

The biggest talent out of the bunch is West, who, like many other James Madison transfers, followed his head coach to UCLA. The Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year posted 45 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, seven sacks, four pass breakups and one forced fumble in his debut season. West brings a versatile package to Westwood and has the physical traits to blossom into a star. The 6-foot-4 edge rusher will likely spearhead this defensive line as he looks to make a greater leap in his sophomore year.

Rushing alongside West will be his former JMU teammate, Gobaira. In what was his first true season, the junior lineman recorded 38 total tackles and four sacks. Though not the impact player West was for JMU, Gobaira still provides a valuable presence. Look for him to carve himself a role in this new-look defense.

As for the rest, much production hasn’t sparked in their young college careers. However, with unproven pieces scattered on the roster, opportunities for quality roles will rise for these transfers. Furthermore, the multiple years of eligibility provides room for growth and development as UCLA looks to find its identity.

Linebackers

With the departures of JonJon Vaughns and Isaiah Chisom, the Bruins’ linebacker room turned thin without their top two defensive leaders. Now steps in transfer linebackers Sammy Omosigho (Oklahoma), Anthony Sacca (Notre Dame) and Drew Spinogatti (JMU) to fill the void.

With 191 tackles to make up for between Vaughns and Chisom, a lot will be asked from the trio of transfers.

Omosigho would be the most promising option to produce as the Bruins’ top tackler. The senior backer is coming off two seasons that he combined for 90 tackles, four pass breakups, two sacks and one forced fumble — all in a reserved role with the Sooners. Given a full workload, Omosigho could command the middle of the field and be a staple against the pass and run. He is a do-it-all linebacker that has the ability to clog rushing lanes, get in the backfield and most importantly drop into coverage. Not to mention the vocal leadership he brings.

An intriguing addition is former Fighting Irish backer, Sacca — a project linebacker who missed his freshman season. However, he has the physical tools to be a solid piece of the puzzle. Though not expected to manage a substantial workload, the former four-star recruit could develop into a reliable option down the road.

The more likely option to play alongside Omosigho is yet another JMU transfer, Spinogatti. In his first year with the Dukes, the Florida native tallied 54 tackles, three pass breakups and one sack. In what seems to be a more opportunistic role, Spinogatti can carry himself as a full-time starter on a Blue and Gold defense that is itching for more impact players.

Defensive Backs

The UCLA secondary is the biggest winner, as they managed to retain key players in Scooter Jackson, Cole Martin and Rodrick Pleasant. Meanwhile, eight new defensive backs are added to the equation to secure the back end: Tao Johnson (Utah), Dante Lovett (Virginia Tech), DJ Barksdale (JMU), Ta’Shawn James (Iowa State), Malik Hartford (Ohio State), Jhase McMillan (Montana State), Osiris Gilbert (UConn) and Mason Rivera (Cal Poly).

The biggest addition from the bunch is safety Tao Johnson. The Bruins desperately needed reinforcements on the back end, and Johnson provides just that. He not only has 154 career tackles, 16 pass breakups, six tackles for loss and three interceptions, but also 42 games of experience. He is a true lockdown defender that lines up anywhere he is needed. In 2025, Johnson allowed the third-lowest passer rating amongst FBS safeties. He could be labeled as the Bruins’ best addition.

Another impact transfer comes from JMU once again. Barksdale led the Dukes with 12 passes defended in 2025 and added 36 tackles and two interceptions in his standout season. The 5-foot-9 ball hawk may be undersized against receivers, but it’s his instincts, football IQ and discipline that eliminate the physical mismatch.

The talent doesn’t stop there, as Gilbert and Rivera are players who have been notable in their previous campaigns; however, a highly talented secondary with multiple upperclassmen will make opportunities scarce.

UCLA Football: Transfer Portal Recap

The Bruins entered the offseason with areas of need all over the field. With the offense acquiring its necessary parts, it was up to Chesney and company to address their biggest weakness. They added 19 faces to the defense — some with proven skill, and others with untapped potential — all of whom will come together to improve on last season’s disappointment. Cutting down on the big plays allowed and creating more pressure in the backfield was a point of emphasis, and the overhaul of defenders should address those exact issues.

Discover more from The League Winners

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Eric is a lifelong Angeleno and a sports journalist who graduated from the University of California, Berkeley. He joined The League Winners in January of 2025, and is the lead beat writer for the UCLA Bruins. Follow Eric on X (formerly known as Twitter) @EricHayrapetian.

Leave a Reply

Discover more from The League Winners

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading