Freshman Star EDGE Sahir West Enters Transfer Portal - Could UCLA Be the Next Stop?
Sahir West made his presence felt in a big way this season, and now he’s making headlines again. The James Madison freshman edge rusher - and one of the breakout defensive stars of the year - has officially entered the transfer portal. And with that, one of the most disruptive young defenders in college football is up for grabs.
West didn’t just flash potential - he delivered. The stat line speaks volumes: 45 tackles, 7 sacks, 4 pass deflections, and a forced fumble.
That kind of production earned him Freshman All-American honors and the title of Sun Belt Freshman of the Year. But beyond the accolades, it’s the way he plays that jumps off the screen.
He’s explosive off the edge, disciplined in run defense, and relentless in pursuit. Simply put, he’s the kind of player who changes the tone of a defense the moment he steps on the field.
And if you watched James Madison’s run this season - capped by a College Football Playoff appearance - you saw just how important West was to that defensive unit. Even in a tough loss to powerhouse Oregon, the Dukes proved they belonged, thanks in large part to a defense that had bite.
West was a key part of that identity, and his performance in the Sun Belt title game against Troy was a statement: 10 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. That’s not just production - that’s domination.
Now, the spotlight shifts to where West might land next. One program that makes a lot of sense? UCLA.
The Bruins are heading into a new era under head coach Bob Chesney, who, not coincidentally, coached West at James Madison. That connection matters.
Chesney knows exactly what West brings to the table - and more importantly, how to unlock it. For a UCLA defense that struggled mightily to generate pressure last season, a player like West could be a game-changer.
Let’s be honest: the Bruins had one of the least effective pass rushes in the country. That lack of pressure up front trickled down to the rest of the defense - just five interceptions all year and a general inability to create turnovers.
In the Big Ten, where quarterbacks are too good to be given time, that’s a recipe for trouble. The fix starts at the line of scrimmage, and West is exactly the kind of edge presence who can flip that script.
He’s not just a pass rusher, either. West is a complete defender - stout against the run, aware in coverage lanes, and physical at the point of attack.
He plays with a motor that doesn’t quit and a football IQ that belies his freshman status. That’s why he was able to step in right away and become one of the best defenders in the Sun Belt.
If UCLA can land him, it would be a massive step forward in rebuilding their defensive identity - and a clear signal that Chesney is bringing some of that JMU toughness west with him. West is the kind of player you don’t just plug into a scheme - you build around him.
The portal is open, and so is the opportunity. This is one to watch closely.