The UCLA Bruins are facing a critical period as they aim to improve their defensive line and edge rush following a disappointing 2025 season, in which they ranked last in tackles for loss and sacks. Acknowledging their struggles in creating pressure against quarterbacks, the team is shifting gears under new head coach Bob Chesney and defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler.
After a season characterized by defensive difficulties, the Bruins made a notable adjustment when Kevin Coyle and interim coach Tim Skipper took the reins of the defense, following the departure of former defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe. Malloe has since moved to Penn State, bringing key players Keanu Williams and Siale Taupaki along with him through the transfer portal.
Looking to reinvigorate the pass rush, UCLA successfully recruited Sahir West, a standout edge rusher from James Madison who was named the Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year. West’s arrival could be transformative for the Bruins, as he brings impressive stats to the table, including seven sacks and 14 tackles for loss in the 2025 season. These numbers starkly contrast UCLA’s performance, highlighting the potential impact West could have on the Bruins’ defensive woes.
To further bolster the defensive unit, Chesney has enlisted his former defensive line coach from JMU, Sam Daniels, to guide the defensive ends, and has added Legi Suiaunoa from Michigan State to foster a connection with the West Coast’s Polynesian community.
As the roster stands, UCLA’s returning defensive linemen include Ashton Sanders, A.J. Fuimaono, Tyler Partlow, and Robert James III, while new arrivals from the transfer portal include Tyson Ford from Cal, Darold DeNgohe from Rutgers, and Amier Washington from Texas Tech, among others. Departing from the program are key players Williams, Taupaki, and Jalen Hargrove, who has exhausted his eligibility.
The edge rushers returning this season include Scott Taylor, Cole Cogshell, JuJu Walls, and Lucien Holland. They will be joined by new talents such as Sahir West, Dallin Havea from Utah Tech, and Aiden Gobaira, also from James Madison.
The coaching staff recognizes the challenges ahead, particularly as West must adapt to the higher competition level in the Big Ten. However, with the promise shown by returning players like Taylor, Walls, and Cogshell, alongside fresh talent, UCLA hopes to transform its defensive dynamics for the upcoming season. Taylor, in particular, shows great potential, with recent improvements that could see him develop further under the new coaching regime.
As the Bruins look forward to the spring season, excitement grows over the possibility of revitalized performance on defense, setting a hopeful tone for a turnaround following last year’s struggles.