UCLA Bruins
· 2026-07-05
The UCLA Bruins' secondary is poised for a strong season in 2026, with key players like Scooter Jackson and Cole Martin returning.
The Bruins allowed the eighth-fewest passing yards in the Big Ten Conference last year.
They gave up 190.4 rushing yards per game, often trailing significantly, which led opponents to run the ball.
The secondary's performance will be crucial in conference play, and new defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler has reliable pieces to work with.
The team added nickelback DJ Barksdale from James Madison and safety Tao Johnson from Utah to offset the loss of senior Andre Jordan Jr.
The Bruins' defense will need to be balanced to find success, with a better pass rush also essential for the secondary's performance.
The UCLA Bruins face the California Golden Bears on September 6, 2026, in their next game.
The team's success against passing doesn't just come down to the secondary, with the Bruins replacing JonJon Vaughn's Isaiah Chisom at linebacker.
UCLA brought in Sammy Omosigsho and Drew Spinogatti through the portal, with Jalen Woods returning for his redshirt senior season.
The Bruins finished last in the Big Ten with only 10 sacks last year, but JMU transfers Sahir West and Aiden Gobaira hope to improve this statistic.
The backend of the UCLA defense could be the backbone for the unit, with the secondary giving Colin Hitschler some reliable pieces to work with.
And with the added talent, the Bruins' secondary is looking strong for the 2026 season.
But the team's defensive performance will depend on various factors, including the pass rush and the linebackers' play.
So the UCLA Bruins will need to work on all aspects of their defense to achieve success in the Big Ten Conference.
The team's next game against the California Golden Bears will be a test of their defensive strength.
The Bruins will need to be prepared to face a tough opponent and come out on top.
With the right strategy and performance, the UCLA Bruins can have a successful season in 2026.