UCLA's hot start reflected in Associated Press midseason All-America teams

The UCLA Bruins are 5-0 and ranked No. 12 in the nation. They boast wins over Cal, San Diego State, Purdue, Maryland and No. 13 Oregon.

Bob Chesney's team appears to be for real, or at least that's what the win over Oregon in Autzen Stadium would suggest. They certainly have the confidence and swagger of a team that could make some noise in the College Football Playoff.

There are other indicators that this UCLA team could be the next Indiana, or at the very least be in a position to be.

One of those indications is the recently released Associated Press midseason All-America team.

Perusing the list, you see a lot of the usual suspects when it comes to the bluebloods in 2026. Miami, Texas, Notre Dame and Georgia are all well-represented.

But then there's the Bruins showing up quite a few times. In fact, UCLA boasts three first-team picks at this point in the season, which is more than any other program in the country. 

Chesney's three midseason All-Americans are running back Wayne Knight (as an All-Purpose player), linebacker Sammy Omosigho and defensive back Ta'Shawn James.

UCLA Bruins led by three midseason All-Americans 

Knight, a senior, is going to be a featured player and probably the most important player for UCLA's offense moving forward, especially with quarterback Nico Iamaleava likely to miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Knight has rushed 71 times for 548 yards and 10 touchdowns while catching 11 passes for 11 yards and a touchdown.

Omosigho is second on the team in total tackles with 40, but he's also added four forced fumbles and three sacks.

James has been all over the field for the Bruins. He's third on the team in tackles with 29 and he already has four interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and half a sack to his name.