UCLA football is entering a pivotal chapter under first‑year head coach Bob Chesney, whose arrival has sparked optimism across the program. The Bruins are not only aiming to win games but also to cultivate student‑athletes who thrive academically and socially.
The centerpiece of that optimism is the 2027 recruiting class, which sits at No.12 nationally and No.4 in the Big Ten, comprising 22 commitments that include six four‑star prospects and a single five‑star standout, Juju Johnson.
General manager Darrick Yray has repeatedly emphasized that talent alone is not enough; recruits must align with UCLA’s academic and cultural standards, a philosophy that Chesney reinforces by prioritizing character and relatability.
Visits to campus are now customized to each prospect’s interests, ensuring that potential Bruins experience a personalized connection with the university and its coaching staff.
Four‑star wide receiver Kingston Celifie cited Chesney’s energy and the staff’s commitment to developing the whole individual as decisive factors in his decision, while three‑star edge rusher Godschoice Eboigbodin’s recent official visit brought together his Nigerian birth family and his Southern California host family for the first time.
The coaching staff is also focused on retaining homegrown Los Angeles talent, a strategy that aims to keep the city’s best players within the Bruins’ fold.
Baseball’s Golden Season
Across the campus, UCLA’s baseball program has enjoyed a breakout season, capturing multiple awards and setting new records; first baseman Mulivai Levu earned several Gold Gloves, and Coach John Savage was honored as the Skip Bertman Coach of the Year by the College Baseball Foundation.
Individual accolades followed, with junior shortstop Roch Cholowsky receiving first‑team All‑America recognition from several outlets, outfielder Will Gasparino named a first‑team All‑American by the NCBWA, and closer Easton Hawk also earning first‑team honors from the NCBWA and ABCA/Rawlings.