Leland Smith will be a top receiver in the Big Ten in 2026 and one of UCLA's best transfers

Leland Smith we believe will be one of the best transfer additions for UCLA in 2026. Standing at 6’4 and 215 pounds he will provide a huge target for Nico Iamaleava. He has the ability to stretch the field with his speed and then also go up and get jump balls. He ranked as the No. 73 ranked receiver and No. 366 overall as a transfer. A number that we fully believe is way low for what he is able to provide.

Smith is a 3-star transfer and UCLA will be his third team in three years. He spent 2024 with Purdue, 2025 with San Jose State and now 2026 with UCLA. In 2025 he had a really good season for San Jose State. As he caught 43 passes for 688 yards and three touchdowns. He transferred to San Jose State to get more of an opportunity to play after limited snaps at Purdue.

Now with that confidence under his belt, he comes back to the Big Ten to play with UCLA. He will have two years of eligibility remaining and can grow under Dean Kennedy‘s offensive system. He will line up opposite of another transfer in Landon Ellis. Two big-framed receivers that will have plenty of chances to make plays. Smith is a big-time talent and will prove his NFL abilities in 2026.

UCLA has completely transformed into a new offense for 2026. They have a lot more talent than they did in 2025. Most importantly as they upgraded their offensive line at every position. Which will give Iamaleava plenty of time to survey the field and get two second and third options. In 2025 the pass rush was at him so quickly he never got to get off his first read much. It will be a breath of fresh air in 2026.

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