UCLA quarterback Justyn Martin announces intent to enter transfer portal

UCLA quarterback Justyn Martin plans to enter the transfer portal. The redshirt sophomore made the announcement in an Instagram post on Monday night.

“I am on a journey to becoming the best player and person I can be,” Martin said in the post. “God is at the forefront of my path and I know he has a plan for me. With this at heart, I plan to enter the transfer portal.”

Martin was a leading candidate to become next season’s starting quarterback for UCLA after the departure of Ethan Garbers, who has no eligibility left. Martin, an Inglewood High product, played in one full game this season, completing 22 of 30 passes for 167 yards and one touchdown.

“Justyn Martin played really well,” head coach DeShaun Foster said after UCLA’s season-ending victory over Fresno State on Saturday. “He’s still a Bruin, so we’re going to evaluate everything, but when you have a backup quarterback that can come in and play well like that, you know everyone is excited about him and his future is bright at UCLA.”

The quarterbacks remaining at UCLA are freshmen Dermaricus Davis and Henry Hasselbeck, redshirt freshman Luke Duncan and redshirt senior Nick Billoups.

UCLA running back T.J. Harden also announced his plans to enter the transfer portal on Monday night, leaving a Bruins team that went 5-7 overall and 3-6 in Big Ten play with two significant holes to fill on offense.