How Trent Hendrick Addition Changes UCLA Linebacker Depth Chart

The Bruins aren’t done adding talent yet.

The season is only weeks away, and Bob Chesney is still bringing over his former players from James Madison. The most recent addition is linebacker Trent Hendrick, who entered the transfer portal only days ago.

Jul 29, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; UCLA Football head coach Bob Chesney speaks during Big Ten Media Days at Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Hendrick was given a fifth year of eligibility, and he’s spending his final season in college football as a Bruin. It makes a ton of sense for Hendrick, as UCLA is by far the college he would be able to get acclimated to the easiest in such a short time before the season.

Adding a new linebacker to the room weeks before the season is bound to stir things up. From a depth chart perspective, how does this shake things up?

How Does This Impact UCLA?

UCL — Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Sammy Omosigho (7) against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

We predicted the starting linebackers would be Sammy Omosigho and Jalen Woods. With so little time before the beginning of the season, I would still expect those two to remain starters against Cal, but after that, things could get a little muddy.

Hendrick is a highly talented middle linebacker who should immediately elevate this rotation. With his addition, UCLA will now have a five-man linebacker rotation, rather than the four-man group they had initially planned to rely on. Hendrick will join Omosigho, Woods, Drew Spinogatti, and Donavyn Pellot in said rotation.

Will He Start?

UCL — Sep 21, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; James Madison Dukes linebacker Jacob Dobbs (27) and linebacker Trent Hendrick (5) react in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

While Hendrick may not start right away, his talent and connection with others on defense may allow him to do so at some point during the season.

It will be very interesting to see what Colin Hitschler elects to do with Hendrick so close to the season and as the season progresses. It would be very difficult to leave the former Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year on the sidelines.

May 2, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler during the spring game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

In terms of eating snaps, there is a real loss for many players in this linebacking group. I would expect Omosigho to be the only Bruin to have his status and snap count somewhat unchanged, as he has become a leader of this defense over the offseason.

However, the other three could certainly see a deduction in playing time, simply because there’s another talented mouth to feed. Hendrick is another experienced player in this linebacker room, and they’re not bringing him in as a depth option.

May 2, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; A general overall view of the UCLA Bruins logo in the end zone at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

As time goes on, I would expect to see Hendrick’s playing time increase before eventually working himself into a starting position. It may not happen soon, but by midseason, or conference play at the earliest, there could be a real shift in the starting lineup.

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