The transfer portal continues to churn for UCLA, and the defensive backfield is feeling the brunt of it. The latest departure? Cornerback Kanye Clark, who’s officially entered the portal as the Bruins transition into the Bob Chesney era.
Clark’s exit is part of a broader trend-UCLA has seen a wave of defensive backs hit the portal in recent weeks. It’s a clear signal: major roster reconstruction is on the way in Westwood.
Chesney, who arrives from James Madison, is stepping into a situation that will require a quick and strategic rebuild, particularly on defense. And with several JMU players also entering the portal, it’s worth keeping an eye on whether any familiar faces follow him to Los Angeles.
Clark, a third-year player who was officially listed as a freshman this past season due to a redshirt and an injury-shortened 2024 campaign, saw limited action in 2025. He finished the year with 16 tackles, one forced fumble, and two passes defended.
While he didn’t record an interception, that stat says more about the Bruins’ defense as a whole than it does about Clark individually. UCLA struggled to generate turnovers all season, managing just five picks as a team.
A big reason? The lack of consistent pressure up front left the secondary hanging out to dry far too often.
That’s where the real issue lies for UCLA. The defensive line couldn’t get home, and the offensive line had its own share of problems.
In today’s game, controlling the line of scrimmage is everything. When you can’t protect your quarterback or pressure the opposing one, everything else breaks down-including the secondary.
It’s tough to evaluate defensive backs fairly when they’re being asked to cover for extended stretches without help from the pass rush.
At 6'0" and 190 pounds, Clark brings solid size to the cornerback position, with room to grow physically and develop further. He still has three years of eligibility remaining, which makes him an attractive option for Power 4 programs looking to build continuity in their secondary. Teams value players like Clark who can be molded into a system over multiple seasons-not just plug-and-play stopgaps.
It’s entirely possible that Clark saw the writing on the wall in terms of scheme fit under Chesney and decided to get a head start on finding a new landing spot. And with the way the portal moves these days, timing matters. Get in early, and you increase your chances of finding the right fit.
For UCLA, this is just one of many moves to come. The Bruins need reinforcements across the board, but the defensive backfield-along with both lines-will be priority areas. Chesney’s challenge is clear: rebuild a roster that’s in flux, and do it quickly in a college football landscape that waits for no one.