UCLA Football: Star Ivy League Linebacker Commits to Bruins

Chip Kelly adds another defender through the transfer portal.

With some major work still left to do in terms of filling out the roster, Chip Kelly’s UCLA Bruins dipped into familiar territory for their latest commitment. 

Former Yale linebacker Joseph Vaughn decided to announce his commitment to UCLA over X on Monday evening. 

The Bruins are slated to lose a host of bodies from this past year's front seven. Carl Jones, Darius Muasau, and JonJon Vaughns have exhausted their eligibilities, and there's a chance Kain Medrano could enter the NFL Draft. As such, this was an important commitment for the staff. 

Blessed to continue my college football career at UCLA #GoBruins Thank you to everyone who has supported me along this road! pic.twitter.com/s9hrdIRCVn

— Joseph Vaughn (@Joseph__Vaughn) January 9, 2024

Vaughn has three years of playing experience for Yale. In his first two years with the Bulldogs, he combined for 32 tackles and 1 INT. However, in 2023, Vaughn emerged as arguably Yale's top defensive player.

Last year, he racked up 88 total tackles to go along with three interceptions, 2.0 sacks, and three forced fumbles. He was second in the entire league in tackles for loss. As a result of his production, Vaughn was named as an All-Ivy League First Team selection. 

Vaughn likely will be utilized in several different ways by new DC Ikaika Malloe. With many edge rushers leaving the program (most notably Laiatu Latu and the Murphy twins), Vaughn might be utilized early with his hand in the dirt. At the very least, the San Jose native should get a chance to play right away in what will be his only year of eligibility. 

The commitment of Vaughn continues a trend of Ivy League transfer portal additions under Kelly's stewardship. Since taking over, Kelly has collected transfers from Vaughn (Yale), Jake Heimlicher (Penn), Will Powers (Princeton), and Jacob Sykes (Harvard). 

This is the fourth transfer portal commitment for the Bruins this week -- and the seventh overall for the 2024 class. Vaughn joins recent pledges Collins Acheampong (Miami), Jacob Busic (Navy), and Ryan Wilkins (Elon).