What UCLA Is Getting in Amier Washington: A Closer Look at the Texas Tech Edge Transfer
UCLA added another piece to its defensive puzzle with the transfer of Amier Washington, a 6-foot-2, 270-pound edge rusher out of Texas Tech. While Washington’s career in Lubbock didn’t quite explode off the stat sheet, there’s enough in his tape-and his journey-to suggest he could carve out a role in Westwood, especially in a defensive line room that’s been actively rebuilt through the portal.
Let’s break down what Washington brings to the Bruins, where he fits, and why his story is far from finished.
The Resume So Far
Washington arrived at Texas Tech in 2023 as a three-star recruit out of Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School in Orange, Texas. He redshirted his first season, then saw action over the next two years, appearing in 26 games and logging 345 total snaps. His career numbers-21 tackles, six tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks-won’t turn heads on their own, but they don’t tell the full story.
In 2024, Washington actually opened the season as a starter for three games. He flashed some real potential early, generating 16 total pressures that year, which tied for third on the team and led all edge rushers.
But an injury midseason derailed his momentum, and he was moved to a rotational role. In 2025, his production dipped-just 7 tackles across 12 games-as Texas Tech’s defensive line got a major talent infusion on their way to a College Football Playoff quarterfinal berth.
What He Brings to the Table
Washington’s physical profile is interesting. At 6-2, 270 pounds, he’s a bit of a tweener-caught between the frame of a traditional edge and the size of a three-tech defensive tackle. But Texas Tech used him almost exclusively on the edge, both with his hand in the dirt and standing up.
His film shows flashes of athleticism and explosiveness. He’s not a burner off the line, but he’s got enough juice to threaten the outside shoulder of a tackle.
His best reps come when he wins with leverage-getting low, dipping under blocks, and turning the corner. He’s not the kind of edge who’s going to overpower linemen, but he can be slippery and disruptive when he times it right.
That said, he’s had trouble disengaging when linemen get their hands on him. He can get washed out in the run game or stalled on longer-developing pass rushes. So consistency-and strength at the point of attack-will be key areas for development at UCLA.
His Best Game: A Glimpse of What’s Possible
If you’re looking for a snapshot of what Washington can bring, go back to his 2024 game against Arizona State. He recorded four tackles and half a tackle for loss, showing off his motor and ability to stay active in pursuit. He wore No. 88 in red that day, and while it wasn’t a dominant performance, it was one of the more complete games of his college career-proof that when he’s healthy and locked in, he can make plays.
The Fit at UCLA
Here’s where things get interesting. Washington joins a crowded edge room in Westwood.
UCLA has now pulled five edge players from the portal, and at least three of them are expected to be higher on the depth chart from day one. Add in the young talent already on the roster, and it’s clear that Washington will need to fight for his snaps.
But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The Bruins needed to overhaul their defensive front, and the staff clearly prioritized competition at the position.
With Sahir West penciled in as a starter, the other edge spot-and rotational roles-are wide open. Washington’s experience, especially in a Power 4 program like Texas Tech, gives him a leg up in terms of game readiness.
He’s played meaningful snaps, and he’s been in the fire against top-tier competition.
If he can stay healthy and tap into the explosiveness we’ve seen in flashes, he has a real shot to earn a role in the Bruins’ defensive line rotation.
Final Thoughts
UCLA didn’t bring in Amier Washington to be a headline-grabbing transfer. They brought him in to be part of a deeper, more versatile edge group-one that can rotate fresh bodies and keep pressure on opposing quarterbacks for four quarters. Washington’s path hasn’t been linear, but he’s shown enough to suggest there’s still untapped potential in his game.
He’s got the size, he’s got the experience, and he’s got something to prove. And in a defensive room that’s been retooled from top to bottom, that might be exactly what UCLA needs.