Can UCLA football have a top 10 recruiting class for 2026?

According to two national recruiting services for college football, yes, UCLA currently has a top 10 2026 incoming high school recruiting class.

Both Rivals and 247 Sports have UCLA's 2026 football recruiting class ranked in the top 10 nationally.

The class is ranked high due to highly rated recruits that are rated as four stars, like David Schwerzel, who recently announced his commitment to become a Bruin.

ESPN ranks Micah Smith as the No. 46 recruit overall in the nation by ESPN 300 rankings.

UCLA's football recruitment efforts for the class of 2026 have experienced a significant boost, elevating the program into the top 10 national rankings.

In his second year at the helm, Head Coach DeShaun Foster and his revised coaching staff have infused a vibrant energy and renewed focus into the recruiting process. He is transforming Westwood into a sought-after destination by diligently forging lasting connections with recruits from across the nation. The expanded sports front office is equally vital, boasting a team of skilled recruiters. A new football recruitment director has emerged, boasting strong connections to West Coast prep football, alongside experience as an SEC scouting and high school relations manager.

The focus on the recruitment process during high school as opposed to primarily the transfer portal under former head coach Chip Kelly, Foster and his team recognize that high school recruitment is essential for ongoing success, making it a top priority. The new approach departs from the earlier coaching strategy, which focused mainly on the transfer portal to bring great talent to the UCLA football program.
UCLA's expansion beyond California is a significant innovation, attracting exceptional talent from states such as Florida and Washington in their high school recruiting efforts. This strategy plays a crucial role in establishing a robust recruiting pipeline nationwide. Micah Smith and Johnnie Jones, both standout offensive linemen hailing from Florida, and David Schwerzel, a defensive end from Washington, have pledged their commitment to this national strategy. Foster is building strong connections with players nationwide, fostering authentic relationships that resonate across the sport.

Prospective student athletes assert that the "culture" and the distinctive approach the coaching staff employs with each individual are what attracted them to Westwood. The evidence and feedback from incoming recruits indicate that Foster is crafting an environment that appeals to gamers.
Following the success of the official visit weekends, UCLA has been on an impressive recruiting surge throughout June, securing a flurry of commitments. This momentum is propelling them up the national rankings.

Rankings have surged, especially in the 247 and Rivals national rankings. UCLA's class of 2026 has made a notable leap in the top recruiting rankings. As mentioned earlier, their rankings have soared to No. 9 on 247Sports and No. 10 on Rivals, marking the school's best performance in nearly ten years among those recruiting services rankings.
The school's evident focus on athletics suggests a potential increase in fundraising efforts, indicating a search for an innovative revenue-generating system. The alignment of the Chancellor with the Athletic Director and football offices carries considerable weight and there is evidence that it is a united front in terms of providing significant NIL resources to the football program.