With Week 1 getting closer, Bob Chesney still has to sort out the final shape of UCLA’s depth chart, but a few spots already feel locked in. The Bruins’ projected starting lineup has some clear front-runners, a couple of tight battles, and a secondary that looks like one of the safest areas on the roster.
At quarterback, there doesn’t appear to be any real mystery. Nico Iamaleava is the obvious choice, and the expectation is that he’ll get the nod when the Bruins open the season. After a rough year last season, Iamaleava now has the kind of support around him that could set up a major bounce-back campaign.
The backfield should run through Wayne Knight, though UCLA has more than one option there. Knight is expected to lead the group, with Jaivian Thomas and Anthony Woods also standing out as players who can make a real impact in this offense. Knight missed spring ball because of an injury, so his absence earlier in the year is at least worth keeping in mind, but the Bruins still seem to be in good shape no matter which back is on the field in Week 1.
Wide receiver is another area where Chesney has some interesting decisions, but three names stand out. Landon Ellis has a built-in advantage because of his time with Chesney at James Madison, and that connection gives him a strong case to be one of the starters.
Brian Rowe Jr., the South Carolina transfer, brings quickness and slot versatility that should fit well. The third spot could go to Matthews, who has reportedly been excellent in camp and already has an extra year of chemistry with Iamaleava.
Tight end looks like one of the more competitive spots on the offense. The battle is basically between Phifer and Brayden Loftin.
Phifer missed time during spring camp with injuries, but his familiarity with Chesney and his blocking ability could help him win the job. If UCLA wants a more receiving-oriented option, though, Loftin would be the better fit.
Up front, the offensive line is taking shape with a mix of returners and transfers. The South Alabama transfer is expected to handle the left tackle spot and give Iamaleava immediate protection on that side.
Brooks, one of the returning Bruins, should hold down the left side and was already a bright spot on the line. At center, Robell appears to have separated himself from the pack and has been the starter in nearly every fall camp practice.
Guard remains crowded. Sweazie, Brooks, and Julian Armella are all viable options, but only two starting spots are available, and Sweazie’s James Madison background may give him the edge.
On the other side, Schmidt, who transferred in from Boise State, looks like he’s done enough in spring and fall camp to earn a tackle job. Scott Taylor is also in the mix after climbing the depth chart, but for now Gobaira gets the nod.
Ryan McCulloch is expected to join that rotation once he’s cleared and back at practice.
There’s also a strong case that UCLA will start two transfers on the interior this season. Maxwell Roy and Ameir Washington have both stood out as possible starters, but the initial guess is that DeNgohe and Ford get the first crack.
On defense, Sammy Omosigho seems set at middle linebacker, and that hasn’t really changed. Jalen Woods is the likely partner next to him, though Donavyn Pellot and Drew Spinogatti could still push for that job later on.
The secondary may be the most settled part of the defense. UCLA added a lot of talent there over the offseason, and Barksdale is projected to start at slot corner with Pleasant and Lovett on the outside. Scooter Jackson is another name to watch, though his eligibility issues off the field remain unresolved.
At safety, the Bruins look strong with Cole Martin at strong safety and Utah transfer Tao Johnson at free safety. Martin’s experience should give him a bigger role than just one spot in the secondary; he’s positioned to be a leader for the whole defense.
In Other News...
UCLA Camp Is Already Raising One Early Concern For Bruins Fans
A week into UCLA training camp, there are already signs that the Bruins are getting a better read on where some key pieces fit. Receiver Matthews has apparently been more involved in the offense, which is the kind of development the staff wants to see this time of year, while Wayne Knight continues to look like a dependable option in the backfield. There is enough positive momentum in those spots to suggest the offense is sorting itself out in a few important areas.
The concern, at least for now, is on the other side of the ball. Malik Hartford appears to be trending in the wrong direction, and the bigger worry is whether UCLA's defensive front line will be able to hold up against the run when the season starts for real. Training camp is designed to surface problems before they become full-blown issues, and this one already looks like it could stick around for a while. [Read more 🡒]
Mick Cronin Just Set A Standard This UCLA Roster Must Meet
Mick Cronin is once again pushing UCLA toward the kind of identity he believes travel well in March. The Bruins were solid enough last season to be above average on both ends, but Cronin made it clear that is not the bar in Westwood, where he wants this group to live in the top 10 nationally on offense and defense. It is the sort of standard that turns every practice, every rotation decision and every matchup into a test of whether this roster can match the coachs expectations.
The harder part, at least right now, is on the defensive end, where UCLA does not appear to have a player with the same kind of back-line insurance Adem Bona provided. Cronin sees that type of "mistake eraser" as a necessity if the Bruins are going to make a real postseason run, and finding out who can fill that role may end up shaping the season as much as any scoring answer. Until someone proves capable of doing it, the gap between being good and being built for March will remain the most important storyline around this team. [Read more 🡒]
UCLAs Backfield Battle Could Finally Fix A Longstanding Problem
UCLA is heading into the season with a clear push to lean harder on the ground game under coach Bob Chesney, and the backfield looks like the part of the roster most likely to make that plan work. Transfer Wayne Knight joins a group that already includes returning backs Anthony Woods and Jaivian Thomas, giving the Bruins a deeper and more varied set of options than they have had in recent years.
For a program that has too often struggled to get much going on the ground, the chance to finally build a reliable rushing attack matters well beyond one position battle. Chesney has made it plain that surviving the season at running back takes more than one or two capable options, and UCLAs challenge now is turning that depth into something durable enough to hold up when injuries, fatigue and the grind of the schedule set in. [Read more 🡒]