UCLA Football May Have a Defensive Star Ready To Explode

We’ve talked plenty about the offensive transfers that Bob Chesney brought with him to Westwood. After all, Chesney is an offensive-minded head coach, so it’s easy to have intrigue at the weapons he decided to include in his exodus from James Madison.

But what about the guys on the defensive side of the ball? One James Madison transfer could be a newcomer and a leader of this defense in his first season, and his talent certainly warrants that kind of recognition.

Sep 5, 2025; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; James Madison Dukes defensive end Sahir West (15) reacts during the second half against the Louisville Cardinals at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Sahir West is a name that all UCLA fans need to get familiar with, because you’ll be hearing that plenty this season on the field. West is a 6’3, 280-pound monster off the Bruins' edge, and he’s ready to cause havoc on the UCLA defense this season.

Named to Bruce Feldman's Freaks List

He’s also just now getting the attention he rightfully deserves, as he was named to Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List, an annual list compiled of college football athletes who, as the name suggests, are physical “freak athletes.”

May 2, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins offensive lineman Hall Schmidt (65) defends against defensive lineman Sahir West (15) during the spring game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

He comes in at No. 34, and it’s more than believable. One thing that making a list like this could do is help his NFL Draft stock. West just wrapped up his redshirt freshman season, as he was recruited out of high school to play for Chesney at James Madison.

It will surely lead to more eyes on him this season as he heads into his first year in Westwood, and he’ll have to perform to make the ranking warranted in the eyes of others.

Can He Make the Jump to the Big Ten?

Sep 5, 2025; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Miller Moss (7) looks to pass under the pressure of James Madison Dukes defensive end Sahir West (15) during the first quarter at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

There’s no doubt he has the talent to do it. We saw what he did last season at James Madison, and now he’s doubled the resources available to him by following his head coach to UCLA. With more opportunity than he’s ever been given in his college football career, he certainly has the ability now more than ever to really show what he is capable of.

Expectations can be both a good and bad thing in college sports. We’ve seen players crumble under them, and others rise to the occasion. After seeing how he performed last season at the Sun Belt Conference Championship game, we know he can perform under the brightest of lights.

Still, a higher stage has yet to come, and I have no doubt West will be able to rise to the occasion.

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