UCLA football breakdown: How the Bruins look on special teams

For just a few days, the special teams unit was in real limbo in Westwood.

Kicker Mateen Bhaghani entered the transfer portal as it opened, even taking a visit to Arizona State on the same weekend as a handful of former teammates.

Bhaghani later confirmed to the Southern California News Group, however, that he was remaining a Bruin. UCLA should be able to breathe a little easier getting its kicker back – one who, at one point last season, led all Bruins with individual points per game.

Bhaghani went 16 for 20 on field goal attempts and was perfect on 22 extra-point attempts in 2025, his second season as a Bruin after transferring from Cal.

Even long snapper Salem Abdul-Wahab – who also dipped his toes in the portal – elected to return alongside Bhaghani, building a core for new special teams coordinator Drew Canan to work with.

Punter, however, is yet to be decided. Transfers Curtis Gerrand and Chase Barry will compete to replace Will Karoll, who entered the transfer portal about two weeks ago.

As the first transfer portal window has wrapped – although exceptions are always possible – here’s a full breakdown of the movement within UCLA’s special teams entering spring, the final edition in a seven-part series examining the post-portal scholarship outlook for every part of the roster. Previously, we looked at the quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive linemen, defensive linemen, linebackers and secondary.

KICKER

Returning: Mateen Bhaghani, Sr.; Cash Peterman, R-Sr.

PUNTER

Returning: Lennox Miller, R-Fr. (walk-on).

Arriving: Chase Barry, R-Sr. (transfer, Oklahoma State); Curtis Gerrand, Soph. (transfer, Sam Houston State).

Departing: Will Karoll (transfer, Texas Tech).

LONG SNAPPER

Returning: Salem Abdul-Wahab, R-Sr.; Halakilangi Muagututia Jr., R-Fr.

Arriving: Giancarlo Cereghino, Fr. (Campolindo High, Moraga).

KICK/PUNT RETURN

Returning: WR Mikey Matthews, Sr.; DB Cole Martin, R-Jr.

Departing: WR Jadyn Marshall (transfer, undecided).

WHO IS THE ODDS-ON FAVORITE TO BE PUNTER?

Exit one Australian punter, and yet another one arrives. Coming from the same ProKick Australia training route, Gerrand started every game for Sam Houston State a season ago.

Whereas Karoll averaged 43.5 yards per punt, Gerrand – in his freshman season for the Bearcats – was able to boot the ball 43.05 yards per punt. The Aussie, who comes from an Australian Rules Football background, will battle with Barry, a former UCLA-turned-Oklahoma State punter. After one year in the South, Barry is returning to UCLA to close out his collegiate eligibility.

Barry was Bhaghani’s kick holder during the 2022 season. He punted once in one game for the Cowboys during the 2025 season after having appeared in 13 games for the Bruins in his first three college seasons.

UCLA also returns Miller, a walk-on from Oaks Christian, who also happens to be Australian.