UCLA Football Player Using Transfer Portal Loophole to Leave Program

UCLA Football Player Using Transfer Portal Loophole to Leave Program

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UCLA Football Player Using Transfer Portal Loophole to Leave Program

UCLA redshirt sophomore quarterback/receiver Karson Gordon is planning to enter the transfer portal as a track and field athlete, but he will still play football wherever he goes.

Gordon was a three-star quarterback signing out of Texas during the 2024 recruiting cycle, though he has since moved over to receiver, according to UCLA’s roster listing.

He fought for the starting quarterback gig back in 2025 before former Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava entered the transfer portal and landed with the Bruins.

Gordon has real track experience, having competed as a triple jumper on the UCLA track and field team during the 2025 indoor season.

Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Karson Gordon (19) warms up prior to the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Karson Gordon (19) warms up prior to the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Why Gordon joined UCLA in the first place

When Gordon joined UCLA, he was under the impression that Chip Kelly would be his head coach.

Kelly is known for getting the most out of speedy playmakers during his time at Oregon and the Philadelphia Eagles, which captivated Gordon.

“UCLA just has everything, honestly. Big-time football, moving to the Big Ten next year, with top-tier competition. Their track team is always very competitive in the national scene,” Gordon told On3’s Hayes Fawcett back in 2023.

“Scheme-wise, it’s a pro-style offense that translates a lot to the League and that’s what I come from in (high school), so it’ll feel like second nature. They also use QB’s like me and have had success with dual threats, so it was a no-brainer to want to play under the super-experienced Chip Kelly.”

The reason for Gordon leaving UCLA

With Iamaleava locking up the spot for at least the year at quarterback and an entirely new system coming into place, there could be a better school to fit his profile.

New head coach Bob Chesney is known for valuing physical players over outright speedy ones during his time with James Maddison.

UCLA Bruins coach Bob Chesney reacts during the spring game at Rose Bowl.
May 2, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins coach Bob Chesney reacts during the spring game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Gordon has speed in bunches, putting up a staggering 4.28-second 40-yard dash during a recent workout.

However, that athleticism will be leaving Westwood soon, as the NCAA’s month-long track-and-field portal window closes on June 26.

It is unclear what his playing future holds, either as a quarterback or receiver, but there is plenty of potential for a school to tap into.

The post UCLA Football Player Using Transfer Portal Loophole to Leave Program appeared first on LA Sports Report.

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