2026 NFL Draft Marks Historic Low for UCLA

The Bruins didn’t have much luck at this week’s NFL Draft.

Jan 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head football coach Bob Chesney is introduced during the basketball game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The NFL Draft concluded over the weekend, and the UCLA Bruins were not well-represented in the annual event. For the first time in 14 years, the Bruins saw no players drafted into the NFL.

After a disappointing 3-9 season last year that saw the Bruins fire former head coach DeShaun Foster in the middle of the season, the Bruins have nothing to show for it at the next level.

Jul 24, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster speaks to the media during the Big Ten NCAA college football media days at Mandalay Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images | Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

To give an idea of just how long ago it was since the Bruins had zero players drafted in the NFL, the 2012 season was Jim Mora’s first as head coach of the Bruins.

He would go on to coach six seasons with the team before being let go during the 2017 season, having two 10-win seasons during that span, and being considered one of the top teams in the Pac-12.

UCLA Undergoing Changes

Nov 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) carries the ball against the Southern California Trojans in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Now, times are different. Not only are the Bruins coming off a disappointing 2025 season, but they’ve been underwhelming in each of their two seasons since moving to the Big Ten, managing just an 8-16 record in that span. Additionally, the team is now beginning a new era of Bruins football.

Digorgio spent five seasons with the Bruins as their right tackle. He’ll now join the Bruins on their offensive line as a depth piece.   The Bruins did see a couple of their talents from last season be signed as undrafted free agents.

Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCLA defensive lineman Gary Smith III (DL27) speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Defensive tackle Gary Smith III signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, and offensive lineman Garrett Digorgio signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Smith spent three seasons with the Bruins after spending his first two collegiate seasons with Duke.

In 2025 with UCLA, he racked up 40 tackles and 0.5 sacks. The lack of NFL talent being drafted is a microcosm of how much UCLA’s football program needs a lifeline. However, the hope is that a lifeline is on the way sooner rather than later. 

UCLA’s New Head Coach

Dec 9, 2025; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Bob Chesney is introduced as UCLA Bruins football coach at press conference at Renee Luskin Conference Center Centennial Ballroom. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

After firing Foster, the team started its search for their next head coach. They landed on former James Madison head coach Bob Chesney, who had a 21-6 record over two seasons with the Dukes, including an appearance in the College Football Playoff last season after winning the Sun Belt.

Now with Chesney leading the way, there’s hope that a turnaround is in the near future, and that the Bruins can begin to churn out professional talent once again with new leadership at the helm.