Advanced metrics show that Tao Johnson could be one of the best transfer portal additions that UCLA made

Tao Johnson entered the transfer portal this offseason. Looking for a new team to take his talents too. He ultimately decided that UCLA was the best fit for him believing in what Bob Chesney could unlock in his potential. The metrics show Johnson was one of the best safeties in the Big 12 last season while at Utah. He can tackle and cover and figures to be a big part of the UCLA defense right off the bat. As he should win a starting safety job with the talent that he has.

The red shirt senior has good size at 6’1 and 193 pounds and can hit very well. He runs fluidly and can play in a multitude of positions. Giving Dean Kennedy and Chesney a versatile player that they can move around the defense. UCLA possesses quite a few of those players and it will pay big dividends to put them in the best schemes. Johnson began his career as a wide receiver before deciding to move to defensive back. It has been a great decision as he is now on NFL radars.

Just as we highlighted Leland Smith on offense as an underrated transfer. Johnson lands on our list of underrated transfers on the defense. When you look at all the metrics in terms of incompletions, coverage, tackling and yards allowed. Johnson seems to pop up in every category that the Big 12 has to offer. The Bruins hope he can bring that same type of play over to the Big Ten for the 2026 season.

Johnson has 154 total tackles in his career along with six tackles for loss, three interceptions and 13 passes defended. UCLA will rely heavily on his experience to turn their defense around. A defense that struggled to get sacks and to force turnovers in 2025. With the amount of talent they have brought in, it can only go up from here. Johnson will be a big part of that, and he has Bruins fans excited about 2026.