After announcing his decision to enter the transfer portal Dec. 3, 2022, sophomore running back Carson Steele announced his commitment to UCLA via Twitter post Jan. 4.
Steele, who broke out in his freshman season at Ball State before gaining national recognition for his performances in the 2022 season, rushed for 2,447 yards and 20 touchdowns in two seasons with Ball State. In 2022, Steele accounted for all 14 rushing touchdowns the Cardinals scored as Ball State finished 5-7 and missed out on a third-consecutive season of bowl eligibility.
"I want to thank Ball State for taking a chance on me when no one else believed in me," said Steele in his initial Tweet announcing his transfer. "The coaches, players and staff have been more than great to me for the last two years and I'm so thankful for the friendships that I have made and I will cherish them forever."
UCLA, with former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly at the helm, finished sixth in the PAC-12 with a 9-4 overall record and a 6-3 record in conference. The Bruins fell to the University of Pittsburgh 37-35 in the Sun Bowl. Notably, UCLA will be leaving the PAC-12 in 2024 for the Big Ten Conference
Steele will most likely be filling the void left by starting running back Zach Charbonnet who will be leaving for the NFL. Charbonnet rushed for 1,359 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2022.
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