Chesney's Vision Takes Shape
Coach Bob Chesney has been reshaping UCLA's roster ahead of the 2027 season, assembling a recruiting class that already sits sixth nationally despite the loss of offensive tackle Jackson Hill to Notre Dame. The class features 18 commitments, including seven four‑star prospects and eleven three‑star players, positioning the Bruins among the country's most promising talent pools.
Programs such as Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, USC and Penn State remain ahead in the rankings, but UCLA's recent commitments suggest a steady climb toward the top tier.
Among the newest additions is four‑star cornerback JuJu Johnson, ranked 109th nationally and 12th among cornerbacks, who brings a high ceiling to the secondary.
A Promising Addition in the Secondary
Three‑star cornerback Trey Hopkins, measuring 6‑foot‑2 and 200 pounds, chose UCLA after an official visit that highlighted the program's culture and the genuine rapport he built with Coach Chesney. Hopkins, who recorded 31 tackles, 19 pass breakups and one interception as a junior, cited the East Coast connection and the opportunities in Los Angeles as decisive factors.
The class also welcomes two four‑star safeties, Khalil Terry and Pole Moala, who are expected to reinforce the back end alongside Hopkins. Their arrivals signal a long‑term investment in a secondary that the coaching staff believes can develop from the ground up.
If Hopkins can translate his high school production to the collegiate level, he may evolve into a reliable backup and eventually contend for a starting role by his sophomore or junior seasons, adding depth to a defense that is already poised for growth.