Former James Madison linebacker Trent Hendrick has reportedly signed with UCLA through the transfer portal, according to On3.com. Hendrick went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, and he participated in rookie mini camps with the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs. He ultimately did not sign with an NFL team and opted to return to college football for his fifth season.
Hendrick is one of 16 football players who were granted a temporary restraining order Wednesday by a Louisiana judge that allows them to pursue a fifth year and enter the transfer portal. It is unknown if the restraining order will be contested. As a senior at JMU last season, Hendrick earned the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year award after recording 106 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles.
Hendrick joins a group of former JMU coaches and players at UCLA this season. New head coach Bob Chesney, who coached Hendrick at JMU last season, brought several former Dukes with him to Westwood this season. Chesney hired defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler and offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy from JMU.
Additionally, offensive line coach and run game coordinator Chris Smith, cornerbacks coach Eddie Whitley Jr., safeties coach Anthony DiMichele, defensive line coach Sam Daniels and special teams coordinator and tight ends coach Drew Canan are from JMU. Hendrick is the 11th former JMU player to join UCLA's roster this season. The Dukes made their first College Football Playoff appearance in program history last season.
The goal for this season is to get UCLA to its first CFP.
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