David Schwerzel Recommits to UCLA: Bruins Land Versatile Defensive Line Talent from Washington
UCLA just got a major boost to its 2026 recruiting class - and it comes in the form of a familiar face. David Schwerzel, the standout defensive lineman from Seattle (Wash.)
O'Dea, is heading back to Westwood after briefly decommitting earlier this year. The 6-foot-3.5, 265-pound lineman plans to officially sign with the Bruins on Wednesday.
Schwerzel originally committed to UCLA back in June, but when DeShaun Foster was let go, he reopened his recruitment. For a moment, it looked like Stanford had won the battle - the Cardinal were in his top three when he first committed - but in a dramatic late-night twist on Tuesday, Schwerzel flipped back to the Bruins.
When asked why he returned to UCLA, Schwerzel kept it simple: “I had to head back.” Sometimes, the fit just feels right.
A West Coast Gem in the Trenches
In a region that often lacks elite defensive line talent, Schwerzel stands out. He’s ranked as the No. 75 defensive lineman nationally and the No. 4 overall player in the state of Washington in the 2026 class, according to the 247Sports Composite. More specifically, 247Sports slots him as the No. 61 defensive lineman in the country and No. 3 in-state.
For UCLA, this is a big win. The Bruins are always looking to beef up the trenches, and Schwerzel checks a lot of boxes.
He’s a high-motor athlete with the versatility to line up on the edge - where he’s primarily played in high school - or slide inside as a 3-tech. That kind of positional flexibility is gold in today’s game, especially in a conference where defensive adaptability is key.
What Schwerzel Brings to the Bruins
Schwerzel has the kind of frame that college coaches love to mold. At 6-3.5 and 265 pounds, he’s already a physical presence, but there’s plenty of room to grow.
He could easily carry 290 pounds without sacrificing much - if any - of his athleticism. And that athleticism is no joke.
He’s got length, heavy hands, and plays with consistent pad level. He’s tough at the point of attack, holds his ground against the run, and flashes real pass-rush upside.
What really jumps off the tape is his motor. He doesn’t quit on plays and has shown the ability to chase down ball carriers from behind - not something you always see from a lineman his size.
That relentless effort, combined with his physical tools, gives him a high ceiling. He’s also a multi-sport athlete, which speaks to his overall athletic profile.
In addition to football, he plays basketball and competes in shot put, giving him a well-rounded skill set that translates to the gridiron.
High Ceiling, Early Impact Potential
Schwerzel isn’t just a long-term project - he’s the kind of recruit who could make an early impact. With his size, strength, and versatility, he could carve out a role in the rotation sooner rather than later. And if he continues to develop, there’s real NFL potential down the line.
For UCLA, this is more than just a recruiting win - it’s a statement. Flipping a player back from Stanford at the 11th hour shows the staff’s ability to close, and Schwerzel’s return adds a foundational piece to the Bruins' defensive future.
Bottom line: Schwerzel is one of the top defensive line prospects on the West Coast, and his return to UCLA gives the Bruins a big-time athlete with the tools to be a multi-year starter - and possibly much more.