Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning DJ Barksdale across Football.
After a winding college career, safety Cole Martin has become a cornerstone of UCLA’s secondary, ranking eleventh among the program’s top thirty players and poised to shape the Bruins’ Big Ten ambitions.
A deep look at how Cole Martin’s background, transfers and leadership are shaping UCLA’s secondary as the Bruins gear up for a pivotal season.
After a 3-9 season and the departure of DeShaun Foster, UCLA taps James Madison’s championship pedigree and a top transfer portal class to reshape its outlook for 2026.
After a standout transfer from Oregon, Rodrick Pleasant is entering his redshirt junior year with the Bruins, hoping a revamped defensive scheme and fresh leadership will translate into draft‑ready performance.
Under new head coach Bob Chesney, UCLA is poised to challenge USC’s recent dominance, a win that could shift the balance of power in Los Angeles and affect the NFL prospects of both programs.
After a 3‑9 finish, the Bruins are banking on fresh arms and secondary upgrades to climb back into contention
From an unranked high school recruit in Rock Hill, South Carolina, to a key defensive player for UCLA, DJ Barksdale’s journey blends elite high‑school accolades, a pivotal role in a College Football Playoff run, and a transfer that could reshape the Bruins’ secondary.
Dante Lovett, a three‑star recruit from DeMatha High School, transfers from Virginia Tech to UCLA, bringing athleticism and experience to a secondary that struggled last year. Coaches Bob Chesney, Colin Hitschler and Eddie Whitley Jr. see him as a key piece to restore defensive strength alongside standout Scooter Jackson.
UCLA’s football program is rebuilding after a challenging stint in the Big Ten, adding new coaches, transfer talent, and a clear emphasis on explosive plays to improve performance in the 2026 season.
After a disappointing 2025 season marked by low scoring, poor rushing and a high sack total, UCLA is reshaping its offense with fresh coaching and talent from the transfer portal.