
UCLA Bruins Projected Week 1 Starting Lineup Ahead of Season Opener
The Bruins' coaching staff has unveiled the players expected to man key positions for the opening game, highlighting both returning veterans and impactful newcomers.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning DJ Barksdale across Football.

The Bruins' coaching staff has unveiled the players expected to man key positions for the opening game, highlighting both returning veterans and impactful newcomers.

Michigan will host UCLA in a key Big Ten matchup, pitting the Wolverines' seasoned coaching against a Bruins team undergoing a major overhaul after a disappointing 2025 campaign.

The Bruins' offseason brings major roster upgrades, from a star running back to a fortified offensive line, while the quarterback's development and team chemistry remain pivotal.

UCLA’s 2026 football roster faces intense scrutiny as key transfers and returning stars vie for roles that could determine the team’s resurgence.

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.