Linebacker Scott Taylor told the Southern California News Group that he is staying at UCLA for his sophomore season.

After emerging as a freshman during the Bruins’ upset of No. 7 Penn State, the former Loyola High alumnus played in all 12 games as a reserve linebacker and on special teams. Taylor tallied 12 tackles, forced a fumble and blocked a field goal. He was a four-star recruit coming out of high school according to Rivals and a three-star according to 247Sports.

“I’m really excited about Coach (Bob) Chesney’s energy in the building, and I can’t wait to be a part of the championship-winning team he brings to UCLA,” Taylor said.

Taylor was the only student-athlete made available to the media following Chesney’s introductory press conference in early December, sitting in the third row as the Bruins’ new football coach made his first remarks in Westwood.

It was a slower day for UCLA in the transfer portal Thursday. Yet, Chesney still added a former player into the fold – one of many Dukes since Monday.

James Madison linebacker transfer Drew Spinogatti announced his commitment to UCLA on Instagram on Thursday afternoon. Much like a few of Chesney’s coaching compatriots, Spinogatti has followed his head coach across multiple schools now; starting at Holy Cross in the FCS in 2023 and transferring to join up with Chesney at James Madison in 2025.

Now, he’ll use his final year of eligibility at UCLA in 2026. Spinogatti played in all 14 games in 2025 for the Dukes, tallying 55 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, and one sack. A year ago for Holy Cross, the 6-foot linebacker recorded 71 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble and a pass breakup while starting in each of the Crusaders’ 12 games.

UCLA’s transfer class currently ranks 16th overall with 16 commits, according to 247Sports – a mark that sits third in the Big Ten, only below Penn State and Indiana.

Spinogatti’s commitment makes him the eighth James Madison player to commit to transfer to UCLA.

Former UCLA edge rusher Anthony Jones committed to Nebraska on Thursday. Jones, who will now be at his fifth university after stops at Oregon, Indiana and Michigan State before playing in Westwood last season, led the team with four quarterback hurries and 1.5 sacks last season.

Kwazi Gilmer, UCLA’s leading receiver from last season who also entered the transfer portal, reportedly took a visit to Nebraska as well – and could join his former teammate in Lincoln ahead of his junior season.