UCLA Football: Stepfather of Ex-UCLA RB Shares How Move to Big 10 Benefits the Bruins

College Football is an ever-changing, ever-growing entity within the sports world. But one thing has remained the same: the uniqueness of the athletes themselves.

Each member of a college team has a different story. It could be how they got to where they are, who they are as a person, or just something that makes them unique. It’s one of the cooler parts of the collegiate athlete experience and a big reason why the sports are so popular. It also is reflected in where players end up and why.

Recruiting has been changed with the addition of the NIL deals for the athletes. It now allows them to earn compensation off their name, image, and likeness, which is a big step for collegiate sports. However, it will give some advantages to schools based on their history and location.

As UCLA prepares its move to the Big-10 conference next season, it should be one of the main teams that benefit from these NIL deals. Located in the heart of Southern California, the Bruins offer a lot to prospective recruits.

They play in a major media market, and their games should be nationally televised more often, with them now playing teams like Ohio State or Michigan every year.

Former Bruins running back Zach Charbonnet’s stepfather, Ben Hall, believes that UCLA could hit home runs in terms of recruitment if they play their cards right.

“If they keep up and play this new-world game of NIL, I think those two schools become a real threat from a recruiting standpoint,” Hall said.

Per The Athletic

If UCLA plays the game, there is no reason why they can’t create a powerhouse of a program. The Pac-12 conference is declining, and with the Bruins moving to the Big-10, they will be seen as a real option for many of the top players.

Like cross-town rival USC, the Bruins can offer these players something that no other school can, and that is the ability to play in the massive Big-10 games while calling Southern California home. If that doesn’t appeal to recruits, I’m not sure what will.

One anonymous Midwest high school football head coach gave their thoughts on how the Big-10 move will impact a school like UCLA.

“That’s going to influence kids, quite honestly, from the NIL (standpoint) because it’s opening up the L.A. market,” the coach said. “There’s a potential for people to make more in NIL which I think will really impact kids’ decisions and parents’ decisions. … You’re talking about prime-time games, more visibility, more earning potential. I think they’re definitely going to become players for our marquee kids in the Midwest that can play on the big stage.”

Per The Athletic

Additionally, being coached by an offensive genius in Chip Kelly will also play a factor in recruiting for the Bruins. It seems like UCLA is on the cusp of something great here, and now it’s up to them to go out and grab it.