Scooter Jackson recently hit the transfer portal as the defensive back looks for a new team for the 2026 college football season. It could be for a better opportunity or a changing coaching staff. Quite possibly both having a factor in his decision. Jackson led the Bruins defense with two interceptions on the season. That was half of the total UCLA had all season. In 12 games the team only had four interceptions. Which could be combined with lack of a pass rush and quarterbacks having longer reads to get guys open.
BREAKING: UCLA starting DB Scooter Jackson plans to enter the @TransferPortal, he tells @On3Sports
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 1, 2025
The 6’1 185 DB totaled 44 tackles, 2 INT (led team), 4 PBU, and 1 FF this season⁰⁰Will have 2 years of eligibility remaining https://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/fw5y9OYqeh
Jackson’s interceptions came in back-to-back weeks against Maryland and Indiana. Which helped the team end defensive drives. Although the Indiana game did not have much of a difference as UCLA lost 56-6 in the end. The Maryland interception was in a 20-17 win and was a huge factor in that game. As he showed great hand-eye coordination to stay with the ball as it was tipped on a bad pass. Kevin Coyle helped revitalize the defense in the three game win streak that the team went on.
The secondary was next-level last night 🙅♂️
— UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) October 19, 2025
13 PBUs and a late-game INT from Scooter Jackson (@thatsscooter)!#GoBruins | presented by @Allstate pic.twitter.com/TmNRIBijsR
Jackson tranferred to UCLA for the 2025 season. Hoping to get the opportunity to showcase his skills at a larger school. He spent two seasons at Utah Tech in 2023 and 2024 where he started 16 games. Jackson recorded one interception over his two years there. Jackson is 6’1 and 185 pounds, giving him the ability to matchup with smaller slot targets as well as tight ends. Giving good versatility for a defensive coordinator to use those attributes at their disposal.
There is a possibility that Jackson could return to UCLA. But that does not look likely at this point. As he would have to see nothing out there that is better. Then have Bob Chesney and his staff come in and also say they want to keep him. In a better scheme and more talent, he will be able to produce at a larger rate. His numbers are skewed by the UCLA defense having trouble defending and constant turnover. Then the Indiana and Ohio State games brought a lot of defenders overall performance down because of the talent gap.