UCLA Looking to Flip 2026 Oregon State WR Commit

Despite not having a permanent head coach, UCLA general manager Khary Darlington and the rest of the program's recruiting staff have done an excellent job of adding talent to the Bruins' 2026 class in recent months.

With Early National Signing Day approaching, UCLA is actively working to add more recruits to its class and is reportedly trying to flip a three-star wide receiver currently committed to Oregon State.

UCLA Making Progress With Three-Star Oregon State WR Commit

During the Bruins' Week 10 bye, UCLA hosted Cynai Thomas, a three-star wide receiver from Archbishop Riordan High School in Antheron, California, on campus for an official visit.

UCLA helme — Jul 29, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; A detailed view of UCLA Bruins helmet during Pac-12 Media Day at Novo Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Thomas has been committed to Oregon State since March 16, but with the Beavers parting ways with head coach Trent Bray earlier in the 2025 season, the young wideout has been evaluating his other options. The Bruins extended an offer to him on October 12 and worked to get him on campus shortly after.

His visit wasn't on a game day, but in a recent interview with Rivals' Greg Biggins, Thomas explained he still had a great time in Westwood. He had the opportunity to see NBA legend Magic Johnson and enjoyed getting to know the UCLA staff.

UCLA is pushing to flip Oregon State WR commit Cynai Thomas, @GregBiggins reports 🐻

Read: https://t.co/rt27K4hf9o pic.twitter.com/BRq2Lkk7YO
— Rivals (@Rivals) November 12, 2025

"It was a mid-week visit so I didn’t see a game but I had a great time,” Thomas told Biggins. “It was a lot of fun and the staff showed me a lot of love. The city of Westwood is sick. I saw Magic Johnson out there and was star struck. Touring the city and also getting to meet the staff was what I enjoyed most about the visit.”

While Thomas' mid-week visit didn't give him the chance to speak with many Bruins players, he told Biggins that he's very interested in UCLA, and that after he finishes the season with Archbishop Riordan, he'll be able to think more clearly about his decision.

Nov 8, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer (3) runs the ball ahead of Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back Donovan Jones (37) during the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

“I didn’t talk a ton with the players since they were practicing and getting ready for a game but I have a lot of interest in UCLA right now," Thomas said. "I have a lot to think about but really focusing in on playoffs right now. "

The 6'1", 150-pound wide receiver would be a great addition to UCLA's 2026 class. Rivals' industry rankings list him as the No. 624 overall prospect in the country, the No. 96 wide receiver, and the No. 47 recruit from California.

UCLA footbal — Oct 11, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Titus Mokiao-Atimalala (2) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Rico Flores Jr. (1) in the second quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images | Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images

Time will tell if UCLA can flip him from Oregon State, but as of right now, it appears that the Bruins have a strong chance to do so. The Bruins have already flipped two prospects in the 2026 class, and landing Thomas would continue to build the program's momentum on the recruiting trail ahead of Early National Signing Day.

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