Former James Madison linebacker Trent Hendrick committed to UCLA on Sunday, according to On3, joining his former coaches Bob Chesney and Colin Hitschler in Westwood following a temporary restraining order that granted him eligibility to enter the transfer portal for a fifth college football season. Hendrick, the reigning Sun Belt defensive player of the year, chose the Bruins over California and Virginia Tech, becoming the 11th former James Madison player to follow the coaching staff to Los Angeles.
Transfer Portal Eligibility and Court Rulings
Hendrick secured his path to UCLA after a Louisiana judge granted a temporary restraining order on Wednesday to 16 football players, allowing them to play a fifth season and enter the transfer portal, according to reports from On3 and the Los Angeles Times. The ruling follows a July 31 Colorado court decision that granted athletes who began their collegiate careers in the 2022-23 season an extra year of eligibility. While a federal appeals court subsequently granted the NCAA a temporary stay on the Colorado order, the separate Louisiana ruling remained uncontested as of Sunday, according to the Los Angeles Times. Hendrick’s representative, Zach Hoban, told Bruin Report Online that his client boarded a flight to Los Angeles on Sunday morning.
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Defensive Impact and Roster Changes
Hendrick arrives in Westwood after starting 32 of 49 games over four years at James Madison, where he collected 106 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, three sacks, three pass breakups, and two forced fumbles during the 2025 season, according to On3 and the Los Angeles Times. UCLA defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler guided the linebacker to conference defensive honors last year as the Dukes’ defense ranked fifth nationally by allowing just 85.1 yards per game on the ground, according to the Los Angeles Times. The Bruins struggled significantly in run defense last season, conceding 190.4 rushing yards per contest to rank 18th worst nationally in the FBS and second worst in the Big Ten, according to Bruin Report Online. Oklahoma transfer linebacker Sammy Omosigho handled middle linebacker duties through the spring, but the addition of Hendrick allows Omosigho to potentially shift to the weakside linebacker slot, while fifth-year returner Jalen Woods faces increased competition for a starting role alongside fellow James Madison transfer Drew Spinogatti and senior returner Donavyn Pellot, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Trent Hendrick allowed to transfer to UCLA?
Trent Hendrick and 15 other football players secured a temporary restraining order from a Louisiana judge on Wednesday, permitting them to enter the transfer portal and play a fifth college football season, according to On3 and the Los Angeles Times.
Which other schools did Trent Hendrick consider before committing?
Hendrick strongly considered California and Virginia Tech before ultimately choosing UCLA to reunite with head coach Bob Chesney and defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler, according to On3 and the Los Angeles Times.
How did Trent Hendrick perform during his final season at James Madison?
Hendrick earned Sun Belt defensive player of the year honors after recording 106 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, three sacks, three pass breakups, and two forced fumbles under Hitschler’s defense, according to On3 and the Los Angeles Times.
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