Some find the phrase “defense wins championships” a valid philosophy for building a team.

But without a viable offense, winning a single game, let alone a championship, becomes a significantly more difficult feat.

After a season in which its offensive unit struggled, UCLA football hit the transfer portal to rebuild a key position group for a balanced and explosive attack: the wide receiver room.

Head coach Bob Chesney and wide receivers coach Colin Lockett brought in six new Bruin receivers for redshirt sophomore quarterback Nico Iamaleava’s second campaign as the Bruins’ signal caller.

Aidan Mizell
Former School: Florida

In the 2023 recruiting class, there were few prospects who turned heads with their off-the-charts speed as Aidan Mizell did. And after three seasons at Florida, the redshirt sophomore will head to Westwood in 2026.

A four-star recruit, per 247Sports, Mizell chose the Gators out of his nearly 40 Division I offers. After redshirting his first season in Gainesville, Florida, Mizell began seeing heavier game action in 2024, with 11 appearances and three starts.

In 2025, the Orlando, Florida, local hauled in 19 receptions for 177 receiving yards and a touchdown.

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This clip demonstrates Mizell’s speed-reliant play style as a pass catcher. Mizell turns a short reception into a long touchdown run with his ability to change direction and shake off defenders in the open field in this called-back touchdown run.

Mizell plays as a true vertical threat, using his longer frame to give him true trackstar speed, a trait most likely passed down from his former collegiate sprinter parents.

At 6-foot-1, Mizell has the length to make highlight-reel-worthy contested catches and blaze past defensive backs, adding a dynamic dimension to offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy’s passing attack.

Despite not being the top target for the Gators, Mizell’s breakaway ability warranted consistent attention from opposing defensive coordinators. His ability to rack up after-the-catch yards makes Mizell dangerous in space as short receptions can quickly turn into explosive gains.

Expect Mizell to be a key target for Iamaleava early and often in 2026, especially with the departure of sophomore wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer to Nebraska. Mizell could replace some of the production of the Bruins’ top target in 2025.

Brian Rowe Jr.
Former School: South Carolina

Freshman wide receiver Brian Rowe Jr., another new Bruin with SEC game experience, will suit up for the blue and gold in 2026. A former four-star recruit in the class of 2025, Rowe Jr. appeared in 11 contests during his first campaign at South Carolina.

In his lone season with the school, Rowe logged 19 receptions for 149 yards and one touchdown. Rowe primarily plays as a tertiary target among the Gamecocks’ pass catchers, but he should experience increased volume in UCLA’s offense.

Rowe uses his longer frame to create separation off the line and relies on his natural athletic ability to beat defensive backs in man coverage. A three-sport athlete in high school, Rowe is an effective route runner and pass catcher from a variety of alignments.

The clip above shows a play-action concept where Rowe releases from a tight alignment and fakes outside before cutting inside on a vertical route for a 24-yard score.

Entering an open competition for the Bruins’ top receiver, expect Rowe to see substantial game action in his first season in Westwood.

Leland Smith
Former School: San Jose State

Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 215 pounds, Leland Smith signed with the Bruins after one season at San Jose State.

The junior wide receiver racked up 688 receiving yards on 43 receptions with three touchdowns in 2025. He was selected to the All-Mountain West Honorable Mention team after his career season at San Jose State.

Smith is a prototypical jump-ball receiver whose reliable hands and athletic ability allow for highlight reel catches, especially when contested. His play style is dependent on high-pointing the ball, making him a valuable red zone target for Iamaleava on goal-line fade concepts.

Highlights are displayed on Smith’s roster page.

A glimpse into Smith’s film reveals a wide receiver from a bygone era of college football. Despite not being the fastest receiver, Smith can out-muscle defenders to secure possession. His physicality and ability to haul in 50/50 balls should translate well in the Big Ten and provide an additional weapon for Kennedy’s scheme.

Smith’s physical tools and demonstrated production will make him a player to circle on every defensive coordinator’s sheet in 2026, especially in the middle-to-low red zone. On third down, Smith will be a reliable passing option who can make a difficult catch to keep the chains moving.

Landon Ellis
Former School: James Madison

After leading the Dukes in receiving yards in 2025, junior wide receiver Landon Ellis represents another key addition from the exodus of James Madison players that followed Chesney to Westwood. The Orange, Virginia, local averaged 17.3 yards per reception last season with five scores.

Ellis’ most productive contest was against Louisiana, where he hauled in all three of the Dukes’ touchdowns and racked up 120 receiving yards on six receptions.

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In his first touchdown against the Ragin’ Cajuns, Ellis uses leverage to create separation in a tight passing situation. After starting on a slant, Ellis zigs back to the outside, beating an overcommitted man-coverage corner for the score.

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The third touchdown from Ellis’ career game featured a well-run route in the back half of the end zone, culminating in Ellis climbing the ladder to bring down the ball inside the back line.

Ellis’ film at JMU demonstrates a well-refined and disciplined approach to his game, especially as a blocker on plays where he isn’t the primary option. Paired with elite route running and athletic ability, Ellis is an experienced player poised to make an impact for the Bruins in 2026.

Entering a hyper-competitive receiver room, scheme familiarity and proven game experience should allow Ellis to see the field often with the Bruins. His effectiveness from a variety of alignments makes the senior an incredibly dynamic addition.

Marcus Harris
Former School: Washington

After one season with Washington, freshman wideout Marcus Harris will return home to Southern California to play with the Bruins. The former three-star recruit out of Mater Dei High School will continue his development under the guidance of Lockett after redshirting his first collegiate season with the Huskies.

UCLA initially recruited Harris out of high school, and he visited Westwood on May 31, 2024. However, the Eastvale, California, local flipped from Oklahoma to sign with Washington after receiving 31 Division I offers.

Harris possesses the tools to be an effective collegiate pass catcher, as demonstrated in his film. His 6-foot-1 frame is a key aspect of his game that allows him to create separation at the second level, with longer strides and the ability to make contested catches when hauling in a back-shoulder pass or high-pointing the football.

Harris’ production while playing at the highest level of California high school football is a strong indication of his future success at the Division I level. His highlights show a receiver who is incredibly conscious of leverage and space from a young age, which are traits that will continue to develop during his time in Westwood.

While his sample size in college is limited, Harris is a high-ceiling prospect who still has four years of eligibility, making him a viable receiver who will be in the mix for playing time.

Semaj Morgan
Former School: Michigan

Junior wide receiver Semaj Morgan will transfer to the Bruins for his fourth season of college football, bringing over 30 Big Ten game appearances with him. Following three seasons in Ann Arbor, Morgan will bring a wealth of experience to Chesney’s wide receiver group.

Despite hauling in just 566 career receiving yards, most Wolverines fans remember Morgan’s explosiveness on special teams, particularly as a punt and kickoff returner. Earning All-Big Ten honors twice as a return man, Morgan’s athleticism will be useful in a variety of ways for the Bruins in 2026.

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The first play in the clip above shows a designed sprint where Morgan does a good job of retaining possession while getting his foot down in bounds for the catch, demonstrating exceptional body control in a tough situation.

Following that catch, Morgan finishes the drive off with a touchdown reception on a well-placed ball by his quarterback. Exploiting Central Michigan’s broken coverage, Morgan sticks to his route for the wide-open touchdown.

Experience and playmaking ability will be two huge contributions that Morgan will bring to the Bruins in 2026. His sure hands and ability to win in contested-catch situations blend well with his dynamic yard-after-catch ability.

While he has a strong chance of being the starting returner in 2026, expect Morgan to get some solid minutes early on as a pass catcher. Benefitting from a change of scenery, Morgan is poised to enjoy a high level of production when he suits up for the blue and gold this fall.