UCLA: Possible Transfers to Watch

By Mark Pszonak

With the departure of Chip Kelly to the NFL, UCLA players now have a 30-day window to enter the transfer portal. Numerous players will be contacted by other schools with the hope that they make themselves available, but here are the five who will be the busiest:

WR J. Michael Sturdivant

The skinny: There was thought that Sturdivant might enter this spring’s NFL Draft, but he announced in January that he would be returning to the Bruins in 2024. Now he might be looking for a new home and shouldn’t have any problems finding one after totaling 101 receptions for 1,352 yards and 11 touchdowns during his last two seasons.

Schools to watch: Colorado, Washington, Arizona State, Arizona, Utah

RB TJ Harden

The skinny: A season after flashing his potential during his true freshman season, he followed that up in 2023 by rushing for 827 yards and eight touchdowns despite splitting carries with Carson Steele. He was likely to be the lead back in 2024 with the Bruins, but now with a new coach coming in might he consider a transfer to further enhance those chances at a new school?

Schools to watch: Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, Michigan State, Oregon State, Washington State, Cal

Oct 28, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins running back TJ Harden (25) hurdles Colorado Buffaloes cornerback Omarion Cooper (3) in the second half at Rose Bowl. UCLA defeated Coloradao 28-16. © Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

OL Garrett DiGiorgio

The skinny: If a P5 offensive tackle becomes available who has started his last 26 games, you can be assured that there will be a line of schools preparing to pitch him their best offer. The 6-foot-6, 310-pounder would be extremely busy.

Schools to watch: Utah, Cal, USC, Arizona, Arizona State, Oregon, Washington

TE Moliki Matavao

The skinny: Matavao, who transferred in from Oregon prior to the 2023 season, only had 14 receptions during his one season with the Bruins but averaged an impressive 20.2 yards per grab. That, along with his 6-foot-6, 260-pound frame, would make him an interesting addition to the portal if he decided to make himself available.

Schools to watch: USC, Tennessee, Washington, Arizona State, Colorado, Florida State, Ohio State

Oct 7, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins tight end Moliki Matavao (88) runs the ball ahead of Washington State Cougars defensive back Cam Lampkin (3) during the first half at Rose Bowl © Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

DB Khristian Dunbar-Hawkins

The skinny: The Bruins signed several talented Class of 2024 freshmen, but the choice here is Dunbar-Hawkins as the one who would draw the most interest if he became available. While he committed to UCLA more than a year ago and seemed very solid, he did take an unofficial visit to Louisville a couple of weeks before National Signing Day. Might this situation cause him to take another look around?

Schools to watch: Louisville, Penn State, Texas A&M, Texas, USC