Scooter Jackson is on the move again.
After a productive season in UCLA’s secondary, Jackson is planning to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal with two years of eligibility left. The former Utah Tech standout came to Westwood ahead of the 2025 season and immediately made his presence felt, starting for the Bruins and emerging as one of their most reliable defensive backs.
Jackson’s decision to transfer marks another twist in what’s already been a winding college football journey. He first made a name for himself at the FCS level with Utah Tech, where he started every game over two seasons. That consistency and production helped him earn a spot as a Top-200 cornerback in the transfer portal last offseason - a significant pickup at the time for a UCLA program navigating the ever-evolving landscape of roster building in the NIL and portal era.
When Jackson arrived in Westwood, he was part of a wave of nearly 30 new additions brought in through two portal cycles under then-head coach DeShaun Foster. Foster, who was tasked with reshaping the Bruins’ roster, leaned heavily on experienced transfers like Jackson to plug key holes. But with Foster no longer at the helm following his dismissal earlier this year, Jackson is opting to explore his options once more.
On the field, Jackson gave UCLA exactly what they were hoping for. He played in all 12 games this fall, finishing the season with 44 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. Whether it was in man coverage or coming downhill in run support, Jackson brought physicality and instincts that stood out in a defense that often leaned on his playmaking ability.
Originally from Compton, California, Jackson played his high school ball at Warren High in Downey as part of the 2023 recruiting class. His return to the portal comes at a time when experienced, versatile defensive backs are at a premium - and with two years of eligibility remaining, he’ll likely draw interest from programs looking for a plug-and-play starter with proven production at both the FCS and FBS levels.
Jackson is expected to officially enter the portal when the next window opens in January.