UCLA Football: Bruins Not Anticipating Losing More Players to Transfer Portal

Ricardo Sandoval | Apr 14, 2024

Feb 13, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; DeShaun Foster answers questions from media after he was / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

The UCLA Bruins will look for a turnaround season in 2024. However, things don't look too bright as the Bruins have lost more than they've gained this offseason. UCLA has lost a ton of players already, whether it's to the NFL draft or the transfer portal.

On both sides of the ball, the Bruins will need to replace guys like quarterback Dante Moore, wide receiver Kam Brown, and cornerback John Humphrey. It will be challenging, especially with the spring transfer portal ending in roughly two weeks. 

However, it could be a bit easier as UCLA head coach Deshaun Foster anticipates no more players will hit the portal, Foster told Bruins beat writer Ben Bolch for the Los Angeles Times. 

The flip side is that UCLA also could lose talent in the portal that closes April 30, though Foster said he was not anticipating any more departures besides Schlee and edge rusher Choe Bryant-Strother.

"It's part of the game, so if it does happen then it is what it is," Foster said. "But hopefully, you know, this team stays pretty intact and we'll be able to make it through the portal."

This is excellent news for Coach Foster and the program. While the Bruins plan to keep their players, they'll also look to bring in new ones. As we approach the deadline, the Bruins' biggest needs are an offensive lineman, a defensive lineman, and a tight end. 

Foster identified his wish list to Bolch before the spring transfer portal window. 

"I have six positions I want to address," Foster said Saturday, "and then best available [talent] after that."

Foster and the Bruins certainly don't lack any resources aren't There's still plenty of time for the Bruins to win big on the portal, but the clock is ticking.