The transfer portal can be hit-and-miss, but one former UCLA Bruin made the most of his opportunity at a new school. Wide receiver Braden Pegan was named First Team All-Mountain West with Utah State this season.
Braden Pegan struggled to get on the field for the Bruins
Pegan was seldomy used by the Bruins over his three seasons with UCLA, hauling in just one catch in 13 games. Last year he entered the transfer portal to find a larger role and he did just that by teaming up with quarterback Bryson Barnes for the Aggies.
Pegan broke out with the Aggies this season
Pegan is a former three star recruit from San Juan Capistrano, California but headed to Logan, Utah where he was able to make an immediate impact. In 12 games, Pegan led the Aggies in receptions with 60, receiving yards with 926 and finished second on the team with five receiving touchdowns. The 926 yards was the third-most in the Mountain West and 60 catches was good for the third-most in the conference.
Pegan can still get over 1,000 yards this season
Utah State went 6-6 this season, meaning Pegan will have a chance to get over 1,000 yards in the Aggies bowl game if he decides to stay with the program through bowl season.
Could Pegan end up back in the portal?
The former Bruin still has one year of eligibility remaining and could remain with the Aggies or return to a Power Four program after showing he has what it takes to make an impact on Saturday’s.
Pegan wasn’t the only former Bruin to find success away from Westwood
Out of all the Bruins who transferred out after the 2024 season, Pegan had the most success with his new team. SMU running back TJ Harden had a good season as well, finishing with 747 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns while putting up 4.6 yards per carry. J. Michael Sturdivant caught 27 passes this season for the Florida Gators, racking up 406 yards and three touchdowns.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Braden Pegan named First Team All-Mountain West after leaving UCLA
Reporting by Dylan McNeill, UCLA Wire / UCLA Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
