News Summary
As the UCLA Bruins gear up for the upcoming college football season, head coach DeShaun Foster focuses on improving the team’s roster through the recruitment of high-caliber talent, aiming for national championship success. With an increased emphasis on acquiring blue-chip players, the Bruins seek to enhance their blue-chip ratio, currently improving but below the critical 50% benchmark. Key offensive and defensive players are set to step up as UCLA prepares for significant matchups this season, alongside a strong commitment to team unity and enhanced recruiting strategies.
Los Angeles, CA – As the UCLA Bruins gear up for the 2025 college football season, head coach DeShaun Foster is implementing strategies focused on enhancing the team’s roster with high-caliber talent, often referred to as “dudes.” The emphasis on acquiring four- and five-star recruits aligns with the increasing importance of elite talent in securing national championship success.
Historically, no team has claimed a national title in the College Football Playoff era without a roster composed of at least 50% blue-chip players. Currently, UCLA’s blue-chip ratio is improving, yet it still falls short of this critical threshold. Coach Foster, who is preparing for his second season at the helm, is making significant strides in recruiting top-tier players, including transfer quarterback Nico Iamaleava, a five-star talent, and a total of 13 transfer players rated as four stars.
Success in the upcoming season will depend not only on the acquisition of blue-chip talent but also on the effective coaching and development of players, including those who may not have been highly ranked coming out of high school. A notable example is former linebacker Carson Schwesinger, who transitioned from being a zero-star recruit to a second-round NFL Draft pick after his time at UCLA.
Foster and his coaching staff have identified several key offensive players crucial for the Bruins’ performance in the 2025 season:
- Quarterback Nico Iamaleava: Anticipated to be one of the standout quarterbacks in UCLA’s history.
- Offensive Tackle Courtland Ford: Joined UCLA to stabilize what has been recognized as a weak offensive line.
- Running Back Jaivian Thomas: The top tailback from California last season, brought in with expectations to boost the running game.
- Wide Receiver Kwazi Gilmer: Expected to build a solid rapport with Iamaleava and improve on last season’s performance.
- Tight End Hudson Habermehl: Set to return from injury and become a significant target within the offense.
On the defensive side, the Bruins will rely on players poised to step up in prominent roles, including:
- Linebacker JonJon Vaughns: A player expected to take a leading role after previous seasons of potential.
- Safety Key Lawrence: Projected to anchor a revamped secondary as a starter.
- Edge Rusher Devin Aupiu: Tasked with enhancing UCLA’s pass rush, which struggled last season.
- Defensive Tackle Gary Smith III: After a significant weight loss, he aims to be more explosive after recovering from injury.
- Linebacker Isaiah Chisom: A freshman All-American at Oregon State expected to continue his development at UCLA.
As UCLA approaches the 2025 season, their schedule promises significant matchups against teams like Utah, Penn State, Ohio State, and USC, generating excitement among fans and players alike. A recent survey indicated that, aside from Iamaleava, fan enthusiasm for Jaivian Thomas places him as a key player for success this season.
Beyond football, the UCLA men’s soccer team aims for new heights in 2025, striving to make it past the Round of 16 for the first time since 2014, with a strong returning class and incoming top-ranked freshmen. Additionally, Schwesinger’s successful preseason debut with the Cleveland Browns, featuring six tackles, highlights the potential for Bruins to transition effectively to the NFL.
As training camp progresses, UCLA’s focus on building team unity through bonding activities and personal storytelling remains strong. The program is also enhancing its recruiting strategy, particularly under the guidance of the new safeties coach Gabe Lynn. Despite facing some challenges—with loss of earlier commitments—the 2026 recruiting class continues to gain momentum, with top prospects like Carter Gooden and Marcus Almada making commitments to the program.
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Additional Resources
- 247 Sports: UCLA Bruins Football Recruiting August Safeties Update
- Sports Illustrated: UCLA Bruins Football Recruiting Podcast
- Sports Illustrated: UCLA Bruins Football Recruiting Update
- Wikipedia: UCLA Bruins
- Google Search: UCLA Bruins Football
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
