UCLA’s 2027 commit class is back in action this week, and the slate is spread all over the map as teams open up their seasons.
Last week’s loudest performance belonged to Myles Baker. The Sierra Canyon defensive back made his presence felt with a 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, a rushing score and a tipped-ball pick-six. It was a strong senior debut for Baker, who flipped from UCLA to Cal at the end of June.
There was also a chance to get coverage, footage and interviews with two other UCLA commits, JuJu Johnson and Kingston Celifie, as Connor and I got out to see and talk to both prospects in person.
Here’s the full schedule for UCLA’s commitments in the 2027 class this week, along with any available highlights from the previous week:
Thursday, Aug. 27
Aidan Ray of Plano West (TX) plays at Keller Central (TX) at 7 p.m.
Jayshon Gibson of Richland (TX) is at Wakeland (TX) at 7 p.m.
Myles Baker and Sierra Canyon (CA) are at Chaminade-Madonna (FL) at 7 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 28
George Toia of Westminster Academy (FL) is at Coral Shores (FL) at 7 p.m.
Colton McKibben of Carlsbad (NM) is at Goddard (NM) at 7 p.m.
Duece Jones-Drew of De La Salle (CA) plays at Junipero Serra (CA) at 7 p.m.
Jerry Outhouse Jr. and North Crowley (TX) host Aledo (TX) at 7 p.m.
JuJu Johnson of Long Beach Poly (CA) is listed as injured TBD for the game against Yorba Linda (CA) at 7 p.m.
Khalil Terry of Tustin (CA) hosts Foothill (CA) at 7 p.m.
Kingston Celifie of Calabasas (CA) is at Rio Mesa (CA) at 7 p.m.
Matthew Gregory of Owen J. Roberts (PA) hosts West Philadelphia (PA) at 7 p.m.
Michael Farinas of Chaparral (CA) hosts San Juan Hills (CA) at 7 p.m.
Pole Moala of Serra (CA) hosts Hamilton (CA) at 7 p.m.
Rob Larson of Folsom (CA) is listed as injured TBD for the game against Cardinal Newman (CA) at 7:30 p.m.
Thurman Lyles of Grant Union (CA) is at Central East (CA) at 7 p.m.
Trey Hopkins of La Salle College (PA) is at Paramus Catholic (NJ) at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 29
Gage Esty of Placer (CA) hosts Casa Roble (CA) at 7:30 p.m.
Mike Davis Jr. of Mater Dei (CA) is at Orem (UT) at 7 p.m.
In Other News...
UCLAs Offense Now Hinges On One Risk After Donovan Dent Exit
Donovan Dents departure left UCLA with a real void at point guard, but the Bruins are approaching it with a committee answer rather than a single replacement. After Dent averaged 13.3 points and 7.6 assists last season before transferring to LSU, UCLA has spent the offseason planning to spread the playmaking burden across multiple guards, with Trent Perry and Jaylen Petty among the players expected to help carry it.
The appeal of that setup is obvious: fewer possessions have to run through one creator, and the Bruins believe that shared responsibility could steady the offense or even make it better. The risk, of course, is whether all those pieces can fit together cleanly once the games start and UCLA has to prove it can replace Dents control without losing the rhythm he provided. [Read more 🡒]
UCLA Fall Camp Is Creating A Roster Crunch Fans Should Watch
Fall camp has given UCLA plenty to sort through, and the most crowded decisions may be the ones unfolding in the backfield. The Bruins have multiple position battles going on, especially among the running backs, and the coaching staff still has not officially sorted out the depth chart behind Nico Iamaleava at quarterback. It is the kind of August competition that can sharpen a roster, but it also leaves several players waiting to find out where they fit.
For a team trying to build momentum, the real challenge may be keeping that competition from turning into attrition. When roles are unclear and snaps are hard to come by, some players inevitably start weighing whether their path is better elsewhere, and UCLA is not immune to that reality. Nothing has been confirmed on the transfer front, but with camp still running and the roster picture unsettled, the Bruins are carrying a layer of urgency that will linger until the decisions finally come into focus. [Read more 🡒]
UCLA Just Landed A Late Linebacker Boost That Could Matter Fast
UCLA picked up an unexpected linebacker addition late in camp when Trent Hendrick joined the program after being granted a fifth year of college eligibility through a temporary restraining order. The former James Madison standout brings four seasons of experience with him, including a 2025 Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year honor, and he was already on the field in practice without pads as the Bruins worked toward the season opener.
Head coach Bob Chesney said Hendrick has fit into the group quickly, pointing to his familiarity with the system and the leadership he can provide. For a defense still sorting through the final details before opening day, the timing matters, and UCLA appears to believe Hendrick can be ready to help right away. [Read more 🡒]