UCLA has not been known to be a big NIL school since NIL has taken the college landscape by storm. With players now having that opportunity, it sometimes comes down to the highest bidder. What can you provide to a player to entice them to come to your school? Not every player is going to take this route, but at that age, it is tough to turn down the highest offer. If you can get paid top dollar, you can secure your overall future.
UCLA looks ready to dip into the NIL era with a big-time statement. They are looking to go into the top quarter and possibly top third to get the best talent. This could allow Bob Chesney to go out and get guys right off the bat. Sahir West should be a huge target for the Bruins to help start the shore up of the defensive line. These resources will also be able to help them get reinforcements on the offensive line. Making protecting the quarterback a top priority.
Bob Myers said the search committee told Bob Chesney that UCLA football would be in the top third, maybe top quartile of resources in the Big Ten to compete.
— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) December 9, 2025
The offensive and defensive lines are very important in the game of football. UCLA had trouble on both of them this past season leading to a 3-9 record. If you cannot protect your quarterback on offense or get pressure on the quarterback on defense. You are not going to have very successful games. Battles are won in the trenches. Now UCLA has a very good head coach that will possibly have a lot of resources to get it done.
UCLA has been saying all the right things leading into this new era. Now it is time to see it all play out. Fans are hungry to see the Bruins winning again. This is the most excitement they have had in a long time. A few rough seasons has had fans a little anxious. This is all coming on the heels of Troy Aikman mentioning he is done with NIL. Due to an unknown player taking money of his that he donated and leaving after a season. it is a very dangerous game to play but has become an important one to success.
Troy Aikman recently expressed his frustration with the current state of NIL 👀
— SportsCenter NEXT (@SCNext) December 9, 2025
(via Sports Media with Richard Deitsch) pic.twitter.com/jZVLe7WOOd
