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UCLA Loses a Starting WR to the Transfer Portal

Originally posted on FanNation All Bruins | By Jason Fray | Last updated 3/15/24

Despite the head coaching change and general volatility of the sport, it had been a shocking development to see UCLA head into March with zero transfers off its roster.

The existing coaching staff -- coupled with the new staff members -- have done a very good job in selling a vision moving forward for the program.

On Friday, however, the Bruins did suffer a defection in the form of a starting receiver from last year.

Former USC and UCLA senior wide receiver Kyle Ford has entered the transfer portal. He caught 22 passes for 236 yards and a touchdown last year for the Bruins. He was ranked No. 65 in the country in the class of 2019 by @Rivals.https://t.co/ipPv5E4jec
— NCAA Transfer Portal (@RivalsPortal) March 15, 2024

According to Rivals.com, Kyle Ford has entered the transfer portal. Ford had transferred to UCLA a season ago after an injury-riddled career with the USC Trojans.

Ford was a highly-touted recruit in high school out of Orange County. When he left USC, many thought he could thrive in Westwood with a fresh start and presumably more playing time.

Chip Kelly's run-heavy offensive scheme limited Ford's chances to make plays. On the season, he caught only 22 passes for 236 yards and 1 TD. It's safe to say Kelly's playcalling didn't exactly cater to Ford's strengths as a player.

In terms of ability, he's a big, physical receiver with very good hands. One would expect Ford to drop down a level in favor of more playing time. Without any inside information, one could see the likes of Fresno State and San Diego State potentially pursuing him.

UCLA wide receiver Kyle Ford has entered the transfer portal as a grad transfer, @On3sports has learned.

Former four-star recruit and USC transfer has 62 career receptions for 873 yards and six touchdowns. https://t.co/VNvB2Ek6qR pic.twitter.com/LDqXZ1SRgm
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) March 15, 2024

As for UCLA, this likely won't be the only transfer the program experiences. As the new staff installs its scheme, decisions will be made as it pertains to the personnel. New coaches may have favorites that the old staff looked at as afterthoughts.

Additionally, when analyzing the current climate in today's game, it would be very surprising if Ford was the only transfer from the roster.

This article first appeared on FanNation All Bruins and was syndicated with permission.

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