UCLA’s Defensive Line Hits the Reset Button - and Sahir West Might Be the Spark They Needed
Let’s not sugarcoat it: UCLA’s pass rush was a problem in 2025. The Bruins finished dead last in the FBS in both sacks and tackles for loss - a brutal one-two punch that left quarterbacks far too comfortable and opposing offenses dictating the tempo. If you’re looking for a reason why the Bruins struggled on defense, start at the line of scrimmage.
The good news? New head coach Bob Chesney and defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler aren’t wasting any time addressing it. And they’re not just plugging holes - they’re reshaping the identity of the defensive front.
The Sahir West Effect
The headliner here is Sahir West, the James Madison transfer who arrives in Westwood with serious potential to change the dynamic off the edge. West was the Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year, and his numbers speak volumes: seven sacks and 14 tackles for loss - by himself.
To put that in perspective, UCLA as a team had just 10 sacks and 40 TFLs total last season. That’s not just an upgrade - that’s a potential game-changer.
West brings a blend of quickness, bend, and explosion that UCLA simply didn’t have last year. He’s the kind of edge rusher who forces offensive coordinators to adjust their game plans - chip blocks, quicker throws, extra attention.
And while the jump from the Sun Belt to the Big Ten is no small leap, the tools are there. It’ll be on Chesney’s staff to help him make that transition and unlock his ceiling.
Familiar Faces, Fresh Competition
While West is the big addition, he’s not the only one. Aiden Gobaira, another JMU transfer, and Ryan McCulloch (from Cal) add veteran presence to the edge group. Dallin Havea (Utah Tech) and incoming freshman James Moffat round out a revamped edge unit that suddenly has depth and upside.
But let’s not forget the guys who stuck around. Scott Taylor, JuJu Walls, and Cole Cogshell all showed flashes once the midseason coaching change took place.
Taylor, in particular, could be a name to watch. The Loyola High product has the physical tools and the mindset - he’s already been vocal about his excitement for the new era under Chesney.
He’s got a shot to be more than just a rotational piece.
The challenge now? Competition.
With talent flooding in from the portal, returning players will need to prove they belong in the mix. That’s not a bad thing - it’s how good programs build strong, versatile rotations.
Rebuilding the Interior
The defensive line overhaul wasn’t limited to the edge. The Bruins also brought in a wave of new faces to bolster the interior, including Tyson Ford (Cal), Darold DeNgohe (Rutgers), Amier Washington (Texas Tech), and Maxwell Roy (Ohio State). That’s a lot of Power Five experience joining the room.
They’ll be joining a group that includes returners like Ashton Sanders and A.J. Fuimaono, both redshirt juniors who’ve been in the system and bring some continuity.
Tyler Partlow and Robert James III are redshirt freshmen who could factor in with continued development. And keep an eye on JUCO transfer Gavin Blum and freshman Marcus Almada - both are intriguing long-term prospects.
The departures of Keanu Williams and Siale Taupaki to Penn State - following former DC Ikaika Malloe - leave a hole, no doubt. But the influx of talent gives new defensive line coach Legi Suiaunoa and defensive ends coach Sam Daniels plenty to work with.
Suiaunoa, with ties to the West Coast and the Polynesian football community, brings valuable recruiting reach and cultural connection. Daniels, who worked with Chesney at JMU, knows exactly what the head coach is looking for in terms of technique, motor, and mindset.
What’s Next?
This spring will be telling. The Bruins now have numbers and talent across the defensive front, but the pieces need to fit.
Can West take the leap against Big Ten tackles? Will Taylor and Walls hold off the newcomers?
Can the interior find enough push to collapse pockets and free up the edges?
One thing’s for sure: UCLA’s defensive line won’t look anything like it did in 2025 - and that’s a good thing. For a program entering a new era in the Big Ten, with a new coaching staff and a revamped roster, the defensive front is ground zero for change.
If Chesney and his crew can turn this group from a liability into a strength, the ripple effects will be felt across the entire defense. And with Sahir West leading the charge, there’s finally reason to believe UCLA’s pass rush might be ready to make some noise.