Brayden Loftin, a redshirt junior tight end, is slated to open the season as a starter for UCLA, a role that caps a winding path that began in the cornfields of Iowa.
From Iowa Roots to Westwood
Loftin starred at Lewis Central in Council Bluffs, earning all‑state honors despite being a low‑ranked recruit, and arrived at Kansas State with modest expectations.
At Kansas State he developed a reputation as a dependable blocker, recording 11 receptions for 125 yards and two touchdowns in his redshirt sophomore season before a dip in production prompted him to enter the transfer portal.
Now at UCLA, he joins a tight end group that already includes Ben Sinnott, and his 6‑4, 230‑pound frame is viewed as a perfect complement to the Bruins’ power‑run philosophy.
Coach Bob Chesney, who recently added running back Wayne Knight to the backfield, has highlighted Loftin’s blocking instincts, noting that the tight end’s ability to clear lanes will be crucial for the offense’s balance.
The move signals UCLA’s intent to blend physicality with versatility, as Loftin’s experience across multiple systems equips him to adapt quickly to the Pac‑12’s tempo and contribute immediately.