The UCLA Bruins are a finalist for a massive offensive tackle not too far from Westwood. Elijah Vaikona, who stands at a whopping 6′ 8″ and 368 pounds, has the Bruins in his final three schools. The class of 2025 tackle from Santa Margarita High School is ranked 114th in the nation at his position.
Along with UCLA, Vaikona is considering commitments to USC and Washington, according to 247Sports’ Blair Angulo (subscription required).
Though it would seem like the Bruins have their work cut out for themselves, Washington and USC hardly have the pedigree they once had, even one year ago. With USC losing quarterback Caleb Williams to the NFL Draft and Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer jumping ship for Alabama, the Bruins have a puncher’s chance at landing Vaikona.
With a flurry of high-end commitments flocking to Westwood recently, the DeShaun Foster Bruins could oust their BIG 10 foes in pursuing Vaikona and continue to build a solid offensive line for the future.