UCLA’s Offseason Overhaul
The Bruins have leveraged the transfer portal to address gaps that limited their performance last year, bringing in players who can immediately impact the offense.
Backfield Competition
Among the most talked‑about additions are running backs Anthony Woods and Jaivian Thomas, each of whom arrives with extensive college experience and proven production.
Woods, a former Idaho standout who earned FCS All‑American honors, accumulated more than 2,000 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns before joining UCLA, though he managed only 294 yards in his inaugural Pac‑12 season.
Thomas, who transferred from Cal, posted 626 yards and seven scores in 2024 and has a track record of succeeding at the Power‑4 level, positioning him as a legitimate threat for carries.
Receiver Spotlight
Wide receiver Brian Rowe Jr. has already made a splash, having stepped onto the field as a freshman at South Carolina and delivering standout performances against top SEC opponents.
Coaches say the depth created by these moves could allow the Bruins to experiment with formations and maintain fresh legs throughout games, a luxury they lacked in previous seasons.