Returning players edition Jalen Woods

Jalen Woods was another solid player that will be returning to the 2026 UCLA team. At the linebacker position in 2025 he had 47 total tackles which included 4.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Proving to be one of the top linebackers on the team along with recently departed Isaiah Chisom who transferred to Oklahoma State. Woods should be a big part of the UCLA defense for 2026 and figures to play alongside transfer Sammy Omosigho and another returning linebacker in Donavyn Pellot.

The UCLA linebacking corps, although losing Chisom show a lot of potential. They have a good mix of pass rushing coverage ability, and speed. Playing under a defensive minded head coach in Bob Chesney who brought over Colin Hitschler with him. It will be fun to watch what this unit can provide. After the defense struggled for most of the 2025 season. They’re now equipped with a good front seven and ready to make a run towards getting back to a bowl game for the first time in three years.

UCLA has had many great linebackers come through their school over the last 20 years. But they have been depleted over the last three seasons since Darius Muasau left. They look to get back to having NFL talent on the second level of the defense. Omosigho has the ability to do so and there is potential with Pellot and Woods to do the same. Especially with the coaching staff coming in and how they will elevate their games to another level.

Woods never gave any indication of entering the transfer portal after the 2025 season. Looking fully committed to playing for UCLA his entire college career. That is very rare to see these days in football with NIL flying around everywhere. It will be fun to see what he can do in this new defense. He showed his potential last year, and it will only continue to go up from there.