UCLA struggled at the linebacker position in 2025. Their best player was Isaiah Chisom, who is now at Oklahoma State. While their leader in tackles JonJon Vaughns is now out of eligibility. The Bruins have revamped their linebackers by bringing in transfers, Sammy Omosigho from Oklahoma and Anthony Sacco from Notre Dame. They were also able to keep Jalen Woods who has the talent to make a run as a starter. It is safe to say that with the incoming talent, the position will be much better this year on defense.
BREAKING: Oklahoma transfer LB Sammy Omosigho has Committed to UCLA, his agent tells @On3Sports
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 13, 2026
He totaled 97 tackles, 4 PD, 2 sacks and 1 FF in his time with the Soonershttps://t.co/RlUbB6EMhS pic.twitter.com/HfCvfH2Gru
Omosigho was one of the best transfers that UCLA brought in for this portal season. He played on the Oklahoma team this past season that made the College Football Playoff. Being a former four star recruit, he was the highest rated transfer that Bob Chesney was able to snag. This past season he had 50 total tackles, two sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss. Oklahoma is an elite defense, and he brings that talent over to help turn this Bruins team around that was gashed in 2025.
Woods and Donavyn Pellot will be in the mix for snaps with Sacca and Omosigho. Giving the Bruins the opportunity to rotate and stay fresh. By generating more pressure upfront, there shouldn’t be the need for the linebackers to have so many tackles. It is great to have a stat like that, but not when so many running backs are getting to the second level. Stuff the gaps and allow your linebackers chances to get turnovers on tipped balls and errant throws. Chesney is a defensive minded guy and that will play out well for this team.
UCLA lands former Notre Dame linebacker Anthony Sacca.The 6'3 244 lb Sacca was a 3 ⭐ recruit and the #2 ranked linebacker coming out of the state of Pennsylvania in the 2025 class.Sacca did not see the field this year. @UCLAFootball #ucla #bruins
— 4's up forever (@JesseGarciasae1) January 10, 2026
🐻🐻🐻🐻 4's up pic.twitter.com/4rsPwhDZ8Q
After going 3-9 in the 2025 season. It is imperative that the Bruins fix a lot of weaknesses on their team. Linebackers was an area that needed to be addressed. They were able to do just that along with completely changing their defensive line. The front seven will also help the defensive backs succeed. They were a bright spot on the team last year, but we’re put in very tough positions. It will be exciting to see what Sacca and Omosigho can do in the Big Ten.