Season in review wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer

Kwazi Gilmer was thrust into the WR1 roll for the 2025 college football season. It was mixed with some good and also some bad. But it wasn’t at any fault of Gilmer‘s. The offense was in constant change most of the year and had instability all around. Mixed in with playing the two best defenses in the country in Indiana and Ohio State. One with a backup quarterback that simplified the playbook. It was hard to find consistency in being able to get the ball in space. Especially with the amount of time Nico Iamaleava received on each drop back.

Gilmer was a four-star recruit coming out of Sierra Canyon High School. Committing to UCLA in August, 2023 in a cool recruit video. Choosing UCLA over many other top schools such as Oklahoma. Gilmer was seen as a player with good speed and the opportunity to put on more muscle once he got to the college level. Something he did as he was able to raise his playing weight from 180 pounds to 190 pounds. Bulking up his frame and being able to fight off jams at the line.

On the season Gilmer had 50 catches for 535 yards and four touchdowns. Capping off the season with a good game against the rival USC Trojans. He had 10 catches for 73 yards and a touchdown in that game. Marking one of his better outings of the season behind is five catches for 79 yards and a touchdown against Penn State. The yards per catch is low for a WR1 but the circumstances surrounding things, there weren’t many big plays to be had.

Overall, it was a decent season for Gilmer in his sophomore year. He has shown ability to beat defenders with speed and go into traffic to make a tough catch. His stats will only continue to get better as UCLA builds their offensive line, giving more time for the quarterback to see routes through. Gilmer has given no indication that he wants to leave UCLA as a transfer either. His junior year should see an uptick in yards per catch and opportunities. All the ability is there and now hopefully the right coaching staff to utilize it.