A Revamped Roster
Bob Chesney, who took over as UCLA’s head coach this offseason, has embarked on a sweeping reconstruction of the program, bringing in 45 newcomers and assembling the 11th‑ranked transfer class in the nation for the 2026 season.
Among those additions is Brian Rowe Jr., a South Carolina transfer who has already drawn praise from CBS Sports as a breakout candidate. Standing at 6‑0 and 170 pounds, Rowe combines body control, speed and athleticism that caught the eye of the Bruins’ staff.
Rowe’s freshman year with the Gamecocks yielded 19 catches for 149 yards and a touchdown, but it was his leaping ability — honed on the high school basketball court — that set him apart. Coaches see him as a versatile weapon on the outside, one of three transfer starters expected to shape the offense from day one.
Offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy has spoken highly of Rowe’s potential, noting his quickness and ability to handle multiple roles. ‘He brings a dynamic skill set that can stretch the field and create mismatches,’ Kennedy said.
The excitement around Rowe is not just about his physical tools; it’s also about the fresh energy he injects into a program eager to return to prominence. With a deep recruiting haul and a coaching staff reshaping the roster, UCLA hopes to translate its upgraded talent into on‑field success.