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Nov 30, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach DeShaun Foster greets his players after a Bruins touchdown against the Fresno State Bulldogs in the third quarter at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

ESPN: UCLA Still Has Top Recruiting Class

Originally posted on UCLA Bruins on SI | By Connor Moreno | Last updated Aug 12, 2025 7:00 AM ET

DeShaun Foster reshaped every aspect of the UCLA Bruins football program when he took over two years ago. Look no further than his recruiting efforts, which have produced the program's best recruiting class in recent history.

The Bruins have landed 23 commitments in the 2026 class, including four four-stars, all of which are from outside of California. UCLA fans aren't the only ones taking notice, national media pundits like ESPN are giving Foster and his recruiting staff the respect they deserve.

The class has routinely been in ESPN's top 25, and in Craig Haubert's updated recruiting class rankings, UCLA stands comfortably at No. 21 in the nation. Here's what Haubert had to say about the Bruins' class:

"The DeShaun Foster era got off to a rocky start, but the Bruins are showing some ascension. In recruiting, the former running back knows the importance of a good O-line and pulled a pair of ESPN 300 OLs out of Florida in Micah Smith and Johnnie Jones. Known as Champ, Smith was an Under Armour All-American as a junior and has shown he can play against top competition and be a well-rounded OT. Tight end Camden Jensen should help propel the run game as well, as he is a good blocker.

"The Bruins have added multiple WRs in this class, including in-state four-star Kenneth Moore. Onetime SMU commit Yahya Gaad has a sturdy, muscular build with a good initial burst and is a DE who can set the edge and be tough against the run. They further bolstered their D-line by reaching into Massachusetts and pulling out Tabor Academy teammates DE Carter Gooden and DT Marcus Almada, a three-star with active hands who plays with good leverage and is a nice addition along with the four-star Gooden."

Micah Smith and Carter Gooden are UCLA's two prospects ranked in ESPN's Top 300 Commits.

UCLA's Recruiters Compete for Prospects

What has fueled this Westwood recruiting surge?

Head coach DeShaun Foster admitted he didn't know his staff would be as competitive when it came to recruiting. And defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe during Wednesday's fall camp media availability in Costa Mesa echoed his surprise in the ultra-competitive recruiters in house.

"It's been awesome," Malloe said of the staff's competitive recruiting edge. "It's like, who wants to win the knife set? Who's going to get that prize? I think our coaching staff is so competitive that, as a byproduct of it, we're starting to bring in guys that really fit our culture. So, we're bringing in [coaches] that we're thankful for and we're using them now."

Make sure to bookmark UCLA Bruins On SI to get all your daily UCLA Bruins news, analysis and more!

Read more on UCLA football and their momentous second season in the Big Ten and under DeShaun Foster here. While you're here, check out all things UCLA basketball and Mick Cronin improving the Bruins through the transfer portal here.