· 2026-06-16 · Yahoo Sports

The UCLA Bruins are making significant strides in their recruiting efforts, hosting top running back prospects Carter Hanson and Kingston Celifie. As the Bruins prepare for the 2027 season, new head coach Bob Chesney is focused on building a strong roster after joining the Big Ten Conference in 2024. Both recruits visited UCLA recently, with Hanson ranked as the No. 16 running back in his class and Celifie as the No. 29 athlete. This recruitment is crucial for the Bruins, who have faced challenges in their ground game. By attracting local talent, including California natives Hanson from Bakersfield and Celifie from Calabasas, the Bruins aim to enhance their offensive capabilities. Under Chesney’s leadership, UCLA has already secured commitments from three-star recruits Jayshon Gibson and Duece Jones-Drew. The Bruins are also exploring options for their offensive backfield, having offered scholarships to several quarterbacks for upcoming classes. The focus on high-caliber recruits signals a promising future for the UCLA Bruins as they look to improve their performance on the field.