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UCLA’s football program is entering a pivotal year, with new head coach Bob Chesney tasked with reversing a recent slump and restoring the Bruins to relevance in the Big Ten. The team’s success will hinge on a quintet of starters whose performances could define the season.
The league will stream a series of sessions featuring all 13 head coaches, two student‑athletes per team, and Commissioner Joe D’Antonio, with preseason team announcements and on‑demand clips.
After a standout high school career and a breakout redshirt freshman season, Sahir West joins UCLA under new head coach Bob Chesney, bringing hope of a dramatic turnaround for a unit that finished last in the Big Ten in sacks.
A former James Madison standout, West brings elite sack production and versatility that could revitalize UCLA’s defense.
The league will host a two‑day virtual Media Day featuring all 13 head coaches, two student‑athletes per team, and commissioner Joe D'Antonio, with announcements, press conference clips and a spotlight on Campbell's session.
After a 3‑9 finish, the Bruins are banking on fresh arms and secondary upgrades to climb back into contention
From a 3‑star recruit in Bellflower to a team leader under his fourth head coach, Jalen Woods embodies the resilience and ambition of UCLA football.
UCLA’s defense struggled mightily in the previous season, ranking near the bottom of the Pac‑12 in both pass rush and run stopping. The Bruins allowed opponents to exploit gaps in the interior, a problem that forced head coach Bob Chesney to seek a rapid remedy. Enter Darold DeNgohe, a defensive tackle who arrived in Westwood after stints at Rutgers and James Madison University. After a season‑ending injury at Rutgers, DeNgohe is fully healthy and poised to contribute immediately. DeNgohe’s reputation rests on his ability to clog running lanes and generate pressure on the quarterback. At James Madison he recorded 28 total tackles, including six for loss, showcasing the blend of size and technique that Chesney values. The coaching staff supplemented the interior with several other James Madison alumni, a move that reflects a targeted strategy to rebuild the line from within. The influx of experienced players is expected to restore balance to a unit that has been inconsistent over the past year. If the new pieces click, UCLA could see a turnaround in its defensive statistics, giving the offense more breathing room and potentially reshaping the team’s overall competitiveness in the conference.
After a modest start at Texas Tech, Washington joins UCLA with the physical tools and determination to compete for a starting spot in the Bruins' defense.
A quiet surge of talent is emerging within UCLA's defensive unit, blending experienced transfers with home‑grown standouts who are ready to capture national attention.