Michigan State transfer running back Jalen Berger expected to join UCLA

Running back Jalen Berger has committed to UCLA out of the NCAA transfer portal, On3’s Pete Nakos has confirmed. Berger will be playing for the third Big Ten program of his career, formerly being on the Michigan State Spartans and Wisconsin Badgers.

Matt Zenitz of 247Sports was first to report the news.

“Michigan State transfer running back Jalen Berger tells @On3sports he’s transferring to UCLA,” Nakos said via X. “Former four-star recruit has 1,165 career rushing yards.”

Berger spent two seasons in both East Lansing and Madison, entering his fifth year of college football. In just five games last year, the running back accumulated 93 yards and one touchdown on 25 carries. An injury kept him off the field and then a coaching change occurred, leading to a second portal entrance.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. 

The 2022 season was where Berger showed he was capable of being a school’s lead back. Michigan State handed him the ball 148 times, more than double anybody else on the roster. Berger went for 683 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 4.6 yards per carry.

UCLA will be hoping for similar output from Berger as the Bruins move into a new era. Chip Kelly has left Westwood to become the Ohio State offensive coordinator and DeShaun Foster has taken over. Foster was previously the running backs coach, something you have to imagine went into the decision for Berger.

Adding some Big Ten experience will certainly help UCLA as well. Playing in a whole new conference will bring a different kind of challenge, one almost everybody inside will be experiencing for the first time. At the very least, Berger can bring some knowledge of upcoming opponents.

The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.

Berger played high school football at Ramsey (NJ) Don Bosco Prep, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 142 overall recruit in the 2020 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Neither of Berger’s former teams falls on UCLA’s 2024 schedule. However, there will be a trip back home to New Jersey, with an Oct. 19 matchup against Rutgers taking place. A nice return out East for the running back as he settles into the West Coast lifestyle.