Scooter Jackson has a chance to build on his 2025 team leading two interceptions

Scooter Jackson was one of three defensive backs the Bruins brought back through the transfer portal. After initially enter the portal with Cole Martin, both players announced they would return to UCLA under Bob Chesney. Providing them with a good amount of stability to a position that played pretty well in 2025. Jackson led the team in interceptions with two. Which ultimately was half of their team total of four combined.

Jackson is a versatile player that will help UCLA in 2026. He can play and guard multiple positions and that will help him move around the defense. He can play the outside and can also slide into the slot in a nickel or dime defense. Giving Chesney and Colin Hitschler many opportunities to put the best defense on the field. Jackson will also have the opportunity at more turnovers this season with a better front seven in front of him.

It is no secret that the UCLA defense did not play well in 2025. They could not get to the quarterback and that resulted in little turnovers and little sacks. Chesney brought in a bunch of reinforcements to help fix that issue and it should be done pretty fast. Sammy Omosigho and Sahir West can both get after the quarterback very well. Which will put pressure on offenses. That is a defensive backs best case scenario, as it leads to chances of them getting turnovers.

Jackson is a big-time player that can make interceptions if given the opportunities. In 2026 he should be able to build on his two-interception total from 2025. He was a tremendous player for the Bruins to get back for next season. The defensive backs will be a bright spot for the team again this upcoming season. Now they will have the opportunity to make more plays and put the offense in better positions with turnovers Jackson will slot right in as a starter again.