UCLA Secondary Reloads with Key Returners, Portal Additions Ahead of 2026 Season
LOS ANGELES - For a moment, it looked like UCLA’s secondary might be headed for a full reset. With the coaching staff reshuffling after the 2025 season, and key players like Cole Martin and Rodrick Pleasant flirting with the transfer portal, the back end of the Bruins’ defense seemed vulnerable. But fast forward a few weeks, and the picture looks a whole lot brighter in Westwood.
Let’s start with the guy who nearly left: Cole Martin. His father, Demetrice “Coach Meat” Martin, was a major figure in shaping the Bruins’ secondary last season and was reportedly headed to Arizona State’s staff.
That connection made Cole’s potential departure feel inevitable. He even entered the portal briefly.
But in a turn that speaks volumes about UCLA’s current trajectory under new head coach Bob Chesney, Martin decided to stay.
He wasn’t the only one. Rodrick Pleasant also recommitted to the Bruins, and Scooter Jackson, another key contributor, returned after a short portal stint.
Just like that, UCLA turned what could’ve been a full-blown exodus into a retention win. The secondary, once a question mark, is now one of the most stable units on the roster heading into spring - right up there with quarterback and running back in terms of returning production.
A big part of that turnaround? Chesney’s decision to keep safeties coach Gabe Lynn on staff.
Lynn, who transitioned into coaching the nickelbacks as well, gave the group some much-needed continuity during a time of uncertainty. That move may have been the quiet catalyst that helped hold this unit together.
Now, with the first transfer portal window closed - at least for the most part - here’s how the secondary shakes out heading into spring ball.
Cornerbacks
Returning:
- Rodrick Pleasant (R-Jr.)
- Robert Stafford (R-Jr.)
- Kuron Jabari (R-Fr.)
- Chase Coleman (R-Fr.)
- Aaron Williams (R-Fr.)
- LaRue Zamorano (R-Fr.)
New Additions:
- Orsis Gilbert (Soph., transfer from UConn)
- Dante Lovett (R-Jr., transfer from Virginia Tech)
- Jhase McMillan (R-Soph., transfer from Montana State)
- CJ Lavender (Fr., Mater Dei)
Departures:
- Jamier Johnson (transfer, undecided)
- Andre Jordan Jr. (transfer, Auburn)
- Jamir Benjamin (transfer, Rice)
The cornerback room is young but deep. Pleasant’s return gives the group a legitimate playmaker with elite speed - the kind of athlete who can flip a field in an instant.
He’s also doubling as a sprinter for UCLA’s track team, which says plenty about his burst and acceleration. Behind him, there’s a mix of redshirt freshmen and incoming transfers, giving the Bruins options and competition at every spot.
Nickelback/Safety
Returning:
- Scooter Jackson (Sr.)
- Cole Martin (R-Jr.)
- Jadyn Hudson (R-Fr.)
New Additions:
- DJ Barksdale (Sr., transfer from James Madison)
- Tao Johnson (R-Sr., transfer from Utah)
- Malik Hartford (R-Jr., transfer from Ohio State)
- Ta’Shawn James (R-Jr., transfer from Iowa State)
- Logan Hirou (Fr., Santa Margarita High)
Departures:
- Kanye Clark (transfer, Florida)
- Byron Threats (transfer, undecided)
- Croix Stewart (transfer, Fresno State)
- Key Lawrence (eligibility exhausted)
This group might be the most intriguing on the roster. Jackson led the team with two interceptions last season and added 44 tackles - the kind of production you want from a senior leader. Martin brings versatility and experience, and his decision to stay says a lot about the culture Chesney is trying to build.
Then there’s the influx of talent through the portal. Barksdale, a former starter at James Madison, brings experience and production - 36 tackles, two picks, and a pair of pass breakups in 2025. Tao Johnson, Hartford, and James all arrive from Power Five programs, giving the Bruins a chance to rotate fresh, capable bodies in the back end.
What It All Means
In the current college football landscape, player retention is as important as recruiting. With the portal constantly churning, keeping core contributors is a win in itself. UCLA didn’t just keep their core - they added to it.
The return of Pleasant, Martin, and Jackson gives Chesney a foundation to build around. Add in a wave of experienced transfers and a few promising freshmen, and suddenly this secondary has depth, versatility, and leadership - three things every defensive coordinator dreams of.
It’s a group that will have options. Chesney and his staff can mix and match personnel packages, rotate based on matchups, and let competition drive improvement this spring. And with the season opener looming against Cal in Berkeley, that flexibility could be the difference between a solid defense and a game-changing one.
Bottom line: UCLA’s secondary was teetering on the edge a few weeks ago. Now? It’s one of the more stable, intriguing units on the roster - and it might just be a strength by the time September rolls around.