UCLA football adds to James Madison bounty via transfer portal

The Dukes-to-Bruins trend continues to roll into Westwood as new Bruins coach Bob Chesney added another former player to UCLA’s transfer class Friday.

James Madison offensive lineman Carter Sweazie, a 6-foot-2, 327-pound left guard who started every game for Chesney at the position in 2025, announced his commitment to UCLA on Instagram on Friday morning. Additionally, Rutgers defensive lineman transfer Darold DeNgohe – who played for Chesney at James Madison in 2024 – announced his commitment to UCLA on Instagram on Friday afternoon.

Playing under his position coach – the Bruins’ newly hired offensive line coach and run-game coordinator Chris Smith – Sweazie earned third-team All-Sun Belt honors.

DeNgohe played in four games at Rutgers in 2025 after recording 28 tackles, six tackles for loss and a sack for JMU in 12 games in 2024. Defensive ends coach Sam Daniels served as defensive line coach for DeNgohe during his season on Chesney’s coaching staff with the Dukes.

UCLA has 10 former James Madison players as a part of its current transfer class, which now sits at 21 players as of Friday afternoon. Along with Sweazie, other Dukes offensive lineman Riley Robell and JD Rayner have also committed, bringing UCLA’s overall offensive lineman haul to five.

Kwazi Gilmer transfers to Nebraska

UCLA’s leading receiver from a season ago, sophomore Kwazi Gilmer, announced his commitment to Big Ten foe Nebraska on Friday morning. The Sierra Canyon alum becomes the second Bruin transfer – joining edge rusher Anthony Jones – in two days to join the Huskers.

Gilmer recorded 525 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 2025, both leading UCLA’s receiving corps in the Bruins’ disappointing season.

Former Bruins wide receivers coach Burl Toler III was not retained on Chesney’s staff, with former New Mexico wide receivers coach Colin Lockett taking over the position-coaching duties for the 2026 season.