The UCLA Bruins are in the mix for a talented 2026 defensive star after an off-season filled with recruiting critiques ahead of their first season in the Big Ten.
Anthony Jones, a 6′ 5″ and 240-pound defensive end at Crean Lutheran High School in Irvine, California, is a dynamic player off the edge. With good speed and vision, Jones has a knack for chasing down quarterbacks and running backs behind the line of scrimmage.
In a post on X, the four-star pass-rusher narrowed his search to five teams. UCLA is one of them and they are in good company, too. Competing for Jones’ commitment against Michigan, Tennessee, Arizona State, and Washington, UCLA is firmly in the mix.
Having produced NFL talent on the defensive line like 15th overall pick Laiatu Latu, the Bruins are an attractive destination for edge rushers. Given their proximity to Irvine, just a short drive up Interstate 405, there are many reasons that Jones could land with the Bruins.
Key to all of this, however, is that the Bruins are starting to put together a diverse recruiting board of four-star players, something that could make UCLA a contender soon.