UCLA Safety Scooter Jackson to Enter Transfer Portal Amid Coaching Change
There’s another ripple in Westwood as UCLA junior safety Scooter Jackson has officially announced his intention to enter the transfer portal. The timing is notable, coming on the heels of the Bruins’ coaching shakeup, with James Madison’s Bob Chesney set to take over the program.
Jackson, who transferred into UCLA from Utah Tech ahead of the 2025 season, made a solid impact in his lone year with the Bruins. He started the majority of games in the secondary, tallying 44 tackles and picking off two passes. At 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, Jackson brought length and athleticism to a defense that, while inconsistent at times, had flashes of strong play on the back end.
Originally from Compton, California, Jackson was a three-star recruit out of Downey Warren High School in the 2023 class. After developing at Utah Tech, he made the jump to the Power Five level and showed he could hold his own in the Pac-12.
Jackson still has one year of eligibility remaining, and his decision to enter the portal gives him the opportunity to explore options for his final collegiate season. The NCAA transfer portal window opens on January 2 and runs through January 16, and unlike in past years, there will be no spring window this cycle. That means players like Jackson will have a tight window to find their next landing spot.
Of course, with Bob Chesney now taking the reins at UCLA, there’s always the possibility of a change of heart. Coaching transitions often bring uncertainty, but they can also create new opportunities. Whether Jackson ultimately leaves or is persuaded to stay could hinge on how Chesney and his staff view his role in the future of the program.
For now, Jackson becomes one of several names to watch as the college football transfer portal season heats up.