Numerous factors contribute to the anticipation surrounding the kickoff of the UCLA football season. Chief among these is the resolution of several lingering inquiries regarding the team’s lineup.
Amid the ongoing roster competitions, it seems we can reasonably predict which athletes will be on the gridiron for the opening plays against Cal.
Tight End
Pasadena, CA, USA – May 2, 2026: Brayden Loftin (85), a tight end for the UCLA Bruins, signals during the spring showcase at the Rose Bowl. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Whether James Madison transfer Josh Phifer or Kansas State transfer Brayden Loftin will be selected to start at tight end remains to be seen.
With a reputation built on blocking capabilities and established chemistry with other ex-JMU players on the roster, Phifer holds a clear advantage. Expecting UCLA to emphasize a ground-based offensive strategy in the season opener, I anticipate Phifer taking the starting role while Loftin begins in a reserve capacity.
Wide Receiver
On Dec. 20, 2025, in Eugene’s Autzen Stadium, Landon Ellis of James Madison (left) catches a pass while closely defended by Oregon’s Na’eem Offord in the third quarter. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
It seems highly probable that Landon Ellis and Brian Rowe Jr. will secure starting positions. Identifying the final starting wideout is a more complicated task. Given the lack of buzz around Leland Smith during practices and the physical setbacks plaguing Aidan Mizell, the battle likely comes down to Semaj Morgan and Mikey Matthews.
Heading into a challenging away environment for the opener, I suspect Matthews will clinch that remaining starting role. His existing rapport with Iamaleava is a crucial asset that is hard to ignore, particularly with so many new components operating within this offensive unit.
Defensive Line
Berkeley, California, USA – September 14, 2024: California Golden Bears defender Ryan McCulloch (43) in action during the third quarter vs. the San Diego State Aztecs at California Memorial Stadium. Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect
While transfer Sahir West is locked in at one edge spot, his starting counterpart for the opening game is still undetermined. Chesney has previously stressed that the Bruins intend to rotate multiple players rather than relying solely on the first string, but Ryan McCulloch should reclaim his starting job immediately once he is healthy.
In terms of the defensive interior, the competition remains open among Maxwell Roy, Amier Washington, Tyson Ford, and Darold DeNgohe. Since Ford has regularly run with the first team during preseason workouts, he will likely capture one of those roles.
Tempe, Arizona, USA – October 18, 2025: Amier Washington (88), a defensive lineman for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, competes against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Though I would currently project DeNgohe as the starter, any of the other candidates taking the field first wouldn’t be a shock.
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA – September 21, 2024: James Madison Dukes defender Trent Hendrick (5) celebrates a turnover during the second quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect
Linebacker
While acquiring Trent Hendrick brings a lot of promise, it is unlikely he will find himself in the opening lineup. Jalen Woods and Sammy Omosigho are the projected starters at linebacker for the time being, though this configuration is bound to evolve as the year progresses.
Defensive Backs
Columbus, Ohio, USA – November 15, 2025: Quincy Porter (11) of the Ohio State Buckeyes tries to secure a catch while UCLA Bruins defensive back Rodrick Pleasant (18) commits a penalty in the second quarter at Ohio Stadium. Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
My projection is that Rodrick Pleasant and DJ Barksdale will secure two of the starting cornerback spots. A key decision remains regarding veteran Cole Martin and whether he will play corner or stay at safety.
Should Martin be deployed at safety, Dante Lovett is the top option to be the third starting corner. Conversely, if Martin features as a cornerback, Ohio State transfer Malik Hartford will likely step into the starting safety spot.
This piece initially appeared on www.si.com/college/ucla under the title UCLA Football Starts and Sits: Breaking Down Every Position Battle.
