This post was updated April 16 at 11:53 p.m.
When all else fails defensively, there is one position group that can be the difference between a touchdown and a stop: the safeties.
However, finding the players with the right blend of coverage skills, open-field tackling ability and scheme knowledge at the Division I Level can be a challenge.
In a transfer class composed of seven defensive backs, UCLA football head coach Bob Chesney recruited three new Bruins to compete for playing time at free and strong safety in 2026 – all of whom arrived in Westwood with their own unique playstyles and skillsets. Working under safeties coach Anthony DiMichele, these new additions will be tasked with reinforcing the backend of the Bruins’ defense.
Tao Johnson
Former School: Utah
Redshirt junior safety Tao Johnson will suit up in a UCLA uniform for his fifth season of college football, arriving in Westwood with 43 game appearances with former Pac-12 conference rival Utah.
In 2025, the Idaho Falls, Idaho, local started in 11 of the Utes’ 13 contests and logged four pass breakups and two interceptions. Johnson – who was initially recruited as a wide receiver – switched to the defensive side of the ball prior to his second season at Utah.
Although Johnson’s playstyle mirrors many characteristics of a jump ball receiver – using long strides to close space and twitchy athleticism that enables Johnson to make plays on both the ball and ball carriers – his 6-foot-1 frame also allows him to play press coverage in certain alignments and excel in contested pass situations.
https://youtu.be/zHChEZr7Cn8?si=Gy7fthlYPihyg1wP
A brief glance at his film from the 2025 season demonstrates the playmaking ability that Johnson brings to an experienced UCLA secondary group.
One of his strongest traits is his ability to play in both two-high and single-safety coverage schemes – a role allowed by Johnson’s ability to cover space and tackle in the open field.
Johnson plays as a true ball hawk pass defender with a strong ability to follow the quarterback’s eyes and break up passes.
This archetype can be seen in the second clip of his highlight tape against Texas Tech. Lined up at the top of the defense as the single high safety, the offense comes out in a bunch formation with a pre-snap motion from the furthest receiver.
Utah’s defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley sends six pass rushers on a Cover 1 blitz, meaning Johnson is the last line of defense if the other defensive backs lose their man-to-man matchups.
In this play, Johnson does a good job of following the quarterback’s eyes toward the single receiver on the boundary side, capitalizing on a pass breakup from the cornerback to secure the deflection interception.
Johnson’s film shows a player with elite playmaking ability and a plethora of experience at the Division I level establishes him as the front-runner to start at free safety at UCLA. As the backstop of the Bruins’ defense, Johnson is more than capable of piecing together an all-conference campaign in 2026.
Ta’Shawn James
Former School: Iowa State
Another competitor for playing time in a rebuilt Bruins secondary, redshirt sophomore safety Ta’Shawn James joined the Bruins following three seasons with the Cyclones. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 215 pounds, James started in six games in 2025 before a season-ending injury.
James was responsible for five pass deflections last year – alongside 33 tackles and a fumble recovery. James’ most productive contest came against Cincinnati on Oct. 4, where he logged nine tackles and a pass breakup.
https://youtube.com/clip/Ugkx3A3ZiMTk9JLcjeOw7OyThpdqr574C4l0?si=_Jl4DLjTdcHsVLTm
This clip from Iowa State’s season-opening win against Kansas State demonstrates James’s ability to follow ball carriers and capitalize on opportunities to make momentum-swinging plays.
James, who begins the play in a coverage assignment, does a great job of following the ball carrier to recover a fumble, securing his offense a possession in Kansas State territory.
The Iowa State transfer enters a UCLA secondary room that is experienced but still seeking a true playmaker at safety. After the departure of redshirt senior Key Lawrence for the NFL Draft, James is primed to compete for playing time on the backend of the Bruins’ defense this season.
The Oklahoma City local possesses all of the physical characteristics to build upon the momentum he established last season. Entering his fourth season of collegiate competition with 26 game appearances under his belt, expect James to be in the mix for reps throughout the spring and into the fall.
Malik Hartford
Former School: Ohio State
Appearing in 14 games during the Buckeyes’ national championship season in 2024, junior safety Malik Hartford takes his talents to the Golden State to suit up for the Bruins in his fourth season of college football.
A former four-star recruit in the class of 2023, Hartford has seen extensive playtime during his three seasons in Columbus, earning varsity letters in both 2023 and 2024. Hartford registered 18 career tackles and three pass breakups across his career at Ohio State.
Despite not seeing extensive game action in 2025, Hartford will look to carve out a strong role in a transfer-heavy Bruins secondary. And if one thing will benefit Hartford in his quest for gametime, it is his experience competing against top receivers at Ohio State.
Hartford’s practice reps against future NFL passcatchers, Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka and Carnell Tate should allow the West Chester, Ohio, product to comfortably step into an expanded role with the Bruins in 2026.
https://youtu.be/DWpqSpaFGAw?si=j-LATZqzaQoQcyJs
Hartford also has experience playing from a variety of alignments on Ohio State’s unconventional defensive unit, making plays both in the box and in the open field.
Hartford’s highlights from his time at Ohio State demonstrate his ability to close space effectively with ball carriers and read quarterbacks to break up passes. What he lacks in a pure volume of reps, he more than makes up for with big-game experience and physical projectability that should boost his resume.
In an ultra-competitive field of secondary players composed of experienced returners, talented recruits and touted transfers, Hartford is more than capable of carving out a role for the blue and gold in 2026.
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