As UCLA football enters its first year under coach Bob Chesney and third season in the Big Ten, Daily Bruin Sports will preview the personnel of the Bruins’ position groups and predict their 2026 outlook prior to the season’s opening game Sept. 5 against California. Assistant Sports editor Sinclair Richman kicks off the series with a look at UCLA’s secondary.
Personnel
Despite the departure of one important piece of the defensive backfield, the depth of the secondary will be a bright spot for the Bruins.
Former Bruin Key Lawrence, who started in 11 games last season, exhausted his eligibility at the conclusion of the 2025 season after playing six years of collegiate ball. Lawrence ranked third on the squad – first among defensive backs – with 70 tackles on the year.
But his departure from Westwood will be offset by the retention of other crucial Bruins and the addition of key defensive contributors.
Senior outside cornerbacks Rodrick Pleasant and Scooter Jackson and strong safety Cole Martin will return to UCLA for their second year donning the blue and gold. Martin and Pleasant started in every game they appeared in, while Jackson started eight and played in all 12.
Martin led the trio in total tackles last season, recording 65 alongside one interception and three pass breakups. Jackson, who also tallied three pass breakups, boasted 44 tackles to go with two interceptions. Despite being undersized for his position at 5-foot-10, Pleasant had seven pass breakups along with 36 tackles.
Senior defensive back Robert Stafford Ⅲ is also returning for his second year at UCLA. Stafford Ⅲ appeared in 10 games and started five through the Bruins’ 2025 campaign. Likely to see increased reps and playing time in the coming campaign, Stafford Ⅲ will continue to make noise off the bench.
Of the 12 new defensive backs making their way to Westwood, several project to make an immediate impact.
Senior nickelback DJ Barksdale was one of the players to hop on the Chesney train from James Madison to UCLA. In his last two seasons with the Dukes, Barksdale started every game and proved to be crucial on the defensive side.
His sophomore campaign saw 42 tackles and three pass breakups, and his junior season boasted marks of 36 and 12 across the same categories. With two interceptions in both seasons, his experience on the backside of the defense will be important during his first year in Westwood.
Another transfer poised to see substantial minutes is fifth-year free safety Tao Johnson, who is joining the squad after four seasons with Utah. Throughout the last three seasons, he combined for 35 starts across 38 appearances. He boasted 154 tackles and 13 pass breakups across the same frame, and his experience in a Power Four conference should transfer over well.
Coming to UCLA after three years at Iowa State is senior defensive back Ta’Shawn James, who suffered a season-ending injury in October. In his pre-injury junior campaign, he saw action in eight games – and started six – and boasted 33 tackles along with five pass deflections.
Predictions
The Chesney train’s impact on the secondary does not stop at players.
Colin Hitschler is entering his first season as the defensive coordinator for the Bruins after holding the same role with the Dukes last season. His experience with Chesney – arriving at their third school together – will allow the team to embrace him and shine on the defensive side yet again.
Also coming to Westwood from Harrisonburg, Virginia, is Anthony DiMichele, who is taking on the role of assistant coach for the safeties. He spent two seasons in this role with the Dukes, bringing further continuity to the Bruin staff.
The combination of new coaches with experienced returners in Jackson, Martin and Pleasant will allow for players to learn from Bruins that have repped the blue and gold for multiple seasons, while also allowing for transitions to new styles of play.
With a secondary split between returners and newcomers, anyone could break out for a career season. The additions of Barksdale, Johnson and James from the transfer portal allow for the gaps from the departure of last year’s defensive backs to be filled swiftly and with experience.
The depth at the defensive back position makes it one of the brightest spots of the squad. Adjusting to new coaches with new teammates may prove challenging, but with so much depth, someone should be able to step up.
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