UCLA adds Montana State DB Jhase McMillian to roster

UCLA bolstered its defensive back room by securing a commitment from Montana State transfer Jhase McMillian, who announced his decision on Jan. 10. McMillian arrives with three years of eligibility remaining and brings the kind of championship experience and physical play that new head coach Bob Chesney is aggressively targeting in the portal.

McMillian was a contributor to Montana State’s 2025-26 FCS national championship run, appearing in eight games last season. He totaled roughly 30 tackles, added several stops for loss, and recovered a fumble — production that underscores his role as a playmaker in a championship defense. He also made an official visit to Westwood prior to committing, signaling mutual interest in a fit between player and program.

This addition is part of Chesney’s active portal rebuilding approach. For UCLA, McMillian represents more than one more roster name; he fills a specific need for experienced depth in the secondary and gives the Bruins a multi-year option at defensive back as they retool their defensive rotation. The signing also factors into national evaluations of UCLA’s portal haul and how the Bruins plan to balance immediate contributors with longer term pieces.

For Montana State and other FCS programs, the move is another data point in the FCS-to-FBS talent pipeline. Losing contributors to the portal is a familiar part of roster churn in the post-championship cycle, and programs will need to plan replacements while continuing to recruit and develop younger players. For players, McMillian’s move shows how a strong FCS season and championship exposure can open pathways to Power Five opportunities.

Practical takeaways for the UCLA community are straightforward. Expect McMillian to compete right away for rotation snaps in the secondary and to be a candidate for special teams contributions while he acclimates to a new scheme. Watch spring practice and early fall camp to see where he lands on the depth chart and how Chesney deploys him within coverage packages.

The takeaway? Bringing in a productive, championship-tested DB with three years left is a low-risk, high-upside play for UCLA. Our two cents? Track McMillian through spring ball — if he translates that FCS production to the Pac-12 level, he could be one of Chesney’s quicker wins in the transfer market.