Returning players edition Scooter Jackson

Scooter Jackson entered his name into the transfer portal early on in the process. Before pulling his name out and announcing his return to UCLA. This was a big time announcement and returns one of the better players on the UCLA defense from the 2025 season. Jackson led the team in interceptions with two. Which was half of the entire team total of four on the season. Him along with Rodrick Pleasant were the two best defensive backs on the team.

The defensive backfield was a bright spot for the UCLA defense. Their defense really struggled throughout the 2025 season with numerous gaping holes. One included not being able to get pressure on the quarterback. That is a recipe for disaster as turnovers will not be generated and penalties will happen. UCLA addressed that with their transfer portal class going into the 2026 season. Things will definitely change and can only go up from here.

UCLA started the 2025 season 0-4 and were in the midst of many changes. New head coach, new offensive coordinator and new defensive coordinator. As they looked to salvage any sort of consistency that they could. They did go on a three-game winning streak which led to them getting to 3-4 on the season. One of the key plays during that stretch was a late game interception against Maryland. The one responsible for that play was none other than Jackson. Boosting UCLA to a victory on the night at the Rose Bowl.

Jackson’s first two seasons at college were spent at Utah Tech. Before ultimately landing with UCLA last year in a large portal class. He possesses good size at 6’1 and 185 pounds. Giving Bob Chesney and Colin Hitschler a player that is versatile and they can move around inside and outside. They will put him in much better positions and the overall talent on the defense will only help Jackson. This was another move that positively impacts the outlook for the 2026 Bruins.