Returning players edition Rodrick Pleasant

Along with Nico Iamaleava, Rodrick Pleasant was the top player to return to UCLA after transfer portal rumors. Pleasant was the star on the UCLA defense this past season. Showing tremendous growth and a bright spot on a unit that struggled most of the season. Being one of the underrated players in the Big Ten. Now with Bob Chesney and his defensive expertise coming to town, Pleasant’s announcement to return was wonderful news. His game could take even another leap in the 2026 season.

Let’s start with the obvious. The UCLA defense as a unit will be much better this season. They will get more pressure on the quarterback and they’re much more talented. Those two things combined will lead to more turnovers and more opportunities for the defense. A defense that was often left in tough positions for the 2025 season. With defensive backs having to cover for long periods of time. As UCLA was one of the worst teams in the nation at rushing rate.

This led to many penalties and a very bad third down defense. As it became obvious passing downs and quarterbacks, having many seconds to survey the field. It doesn’t matter how much talent you have. When top ranked teams with great quarterbacks have that time. They will eventually find players that are open and it will skew defensive numbers. Pleasant held up well in 2025 in coverage often not hearing his name on broadcasts as teams looked to target other players.

Many players decided to hit the transfer portal at the conclusion of the 2025 season. The Bruins have 41 new transfers coming in for the 2026 season. They were by far the most active team this off-season with a whole new coaching staff. Pleasant deciding to return will help them in the grand scheme of things. He was one of the top three players you would’ve wanted back from last year's team along with Iamaleava and Eugene Brooks. Which UCLA secured the returns of all three players.