Returning players edition Mikey Matthews

Mikey Matthews returns to UCLA for his senior season. Which will be his second season as a Bruin. In his first season, he had 33 catches for 348 yards and two touchdowns. With UCLA being his third team in three seasons after spending 2023 with Utah and 2024 with California. He was brought in to help give new quarterback Nico Iamaleava a good target. The UCLA offense had high hopes for the 2025 season, which all came crashing down with their 0-4 start to the season.

In 2025 the offense never really found consistency outside of their three-game winning streak. Which came on the heels Deshaun Foster being let go. Matthews didn’t get the opportunities he had hoped for transferring to UCLA. But, 2026 provides a lot more hope. A whole new coaching staff and a lot of new talent coming in. Matthews figures to be in the mix for a starting receiver spot. Along with incoming transfers Semaj Morgan and Landon Ellis.

The UCLA offense figures to be much better this upcoming season. They retooled the entire offensive line and will have a much better impact on the passing game. Leading to them protecting Iamaleava and allowing him more time to see the field. In the 2025 season, they were one of the worst in the nation at protection rate. Often leading to Nico having to scramble or run for his life. Not giving the passing game much of an opportunity to succeed.

Matthews still provides some upside. He is only 5’9 and 180 pounds, so he is never going to be a jump ball receiver. But he is an exceptional route runner with good acceleration. Allow allowing him to get in and out of his breaks beating corners and opening up the field for others. It will be interesting to see how Dean Kennedy incorporates him into the new UCLA offense for the 2026 season.