Demetrice Martin built an early, practically insurmountable lead. Landing six defensive backs by Christmas, the UCLA secondary coach added two more before the spring transfer portal window closed, making this race appear to be a runaway. Before long, a formidable challenger emerged. Closing fast in the battle to become the Bruins' top recruiter on an almost entirely new coaching staff was Andy Kwon. Having helped snag four transfers - a few of whom committed before his hiring - the offensive line coach went on to secure verbal commitments from two four-star high school prospects from Florida, the kind of highly coveted out-of-region talent that UCLA had seen go elsewhere in recent years.
Nolan Wilson, a four-star defensive end from Mississippi, pledged to Alabama, making him a key addition to their 2026 recruiting class. He is ranked No. 53 in the ESPN 300 and has been a high-profile commitment following several recent additions to Alabama's lineup.