The UCLA football program received a boost with the addition of one of best young receivers in the Pac-12 Conference.

Redshirt freshman J.Michael Sturdivant, who starred at California last season, gave the Bruins his commitment Friday morning.

After appearing in the maximum four games to retain his year of eligibility the previous season, Sturdivant started all 12 games in 2022 and broke out to lead the Golden Bears with 65 catches and seven touchdown receptions while ranking second on the team with 755 yards receiving. He was the nation’s top freshman in receptions, receptions per game (5.4) and yards receiving.Sturdivant’s season was recognized by the Pac-12 coaches with an honorable mention selection and he earned freshman All-American honors.

After Cal quarterback Jack Plummer entered the transfer portal last month, Sturdivant made his decision to leave the program Jan. 4 and was among the transfers on a visit to UCLA that week.

He is the 11th transfer addition for the Bruins this offseason and the first receiver among the group. Sturdivant is the second player from Cal to transfer to Westwood, joining linebacker Oluwafemi Oladejo.

The 6-foot-3, 205-pounder gives UCLA a much-needed proven receiver after losing Jake Bobo (eligibility) and Kazmeir Allen (declared for NFL draft), who finished 1-2, respectively, in catches for the Bruins last season. The duo combined for 106 catches for 1,220 yards and nine touchdowns.

If UCLA running back Zach Charbonnet declares for the draft, as expected, the Bruins would lose three of their top four pass catchers from last season. Kam Brown, who will be a fifth-year senior next season, would be the lone exception after hauling in 24 catches for 362 yards and three touchdowns.

The Bruins also lost junior receiver Matt Sykes to the portal this offseason. Sykes appeared in all 12 games, but in a limited reserve role.

Elsewhere in the receiving corps, spring camp will be a battle for elevated roles. Logan Loya and Titus Mokiao-Atimalala, who both shined in moments last season, will likely compete for the starting slot receiver spot vacated by Allen. Freshmen Jadyn Marshall and Braden Pegan, both of whom redshirted, also received glowing reviews from head coach Chip Kelly late in the season and should compete for time in the rotation.

In the 2023 recruiting class, the Bruins signed four-star receiver Grant Gray and three-star athlete Jeremiah McClure.

- DE Jake Heimlicher (from Penn, 11/29)

- LB Oluwafemi Oladejo (from Cal, 12/5)

- P Will Powers (from Princeton, 12/10)

- QB Collin Schlee (from Kent State, 12/17)

- LG Spencer Holstege (from Purdue, 12/18)

- RB Anthony Adkins (from Army, 12/19)

- TE Moliki Matavao (from Oregon, 12/20)

- PK Blake Glessner (from Montanta State, 1/2)

- RB Carson Steele (from Ball State, 1/4)

- S Jordan Anderson (from Bowling Green, 1/6)

- WR J.Michael Sturdivant (from Cal, 1/13