When UCLA dipped into the transfer portal and landed wide receiver Leland Smith from San Jose State, it didn’t exactly make national headlines. But don’t let the lack of buzz fool you-this could end up being one of the savviest pickups of the 2026 cycle.
Smith brings size, speed, and big-play ability to a Bruins offense that desperately needed a spark. At 6’4”, he’s a physical mismatch for most defensive backs, and he’s not just tall-he knows how to use that frame.
Last season at San Jose State, he hauled in 43 catches for 688 yards and three touchdowns, averaging a hefty 16 yards per reception. That kind of efficiency isn’t just a stat line-it’s a signal that Smith can stretch the field and win in contested-catch situations, two things UCLA lacked in 2025.
Let’s talk about that 16 yards per catch for a second. That’s not a fluke.
It’s a reflection of how Smith plays-he’s a vertical threat who can get behind defenses, but he’s just as comfortable going up and high-pointing a jump ball. Whether it’s a fade route near the pylon or a deep go route down the sideline, Smith gives his quarterback a real shot at a chunk play every time the ball is in the air.
And now, with UCLA’s offensive line issues reportedly addressed heading into 2026, quarterback Nico Iamaleava should finally have the time he needs to let those routes develop. That’s where Smith becomes even more dangerous. Give him a clean release and a few seconds, and he’ll find a way to get open-or just outmuscle the defender at the catch point.
This isn’t Smith’s first stop at the Power Four level, either. He started his college career at Purdue before transferring to San Jose State, where he quietly put together a strong season.
Now, back on a bigger stage, he’s got a real opportunity to prove he belongs among the top receivers in the country. And with Landon Ellis lining up opposite him, defenses won’t be able to key in on just one threat.
That spacing could open the door for Smith to put up a 1,000-yard season and catch the attention of NFL scouts in the process.
Bob Chesney and his staff wasted no time locking Smith in, and it’s easy to see why. He checks a lot of boxes that coaches and scouts love-size, speed, ball skills, and the ability to win in one-on-one matchups. He’s not just a red zone target or a deep threat-he’s a complete receiver with the tools to become a go-to guy in UCLA’s offense.
Smith still has to prove it on the field in the Pac-12, but the potential is there. If he stays healthy and builds chemistry with Iamaleava, don’t be surprised if he becomes one of the breakout stars of the 2026 season.
This is a player who can take the top off a defense and come down with the ball in traffic. That’s a rare combo-and one UCLA is betting big on.