​As we creep closer to the start of college football season, each passing weekend brings us nearer to the action. There are plenty of reasons to be eager to watch the newly retooled UCLA Bruins, and Athlon Sports echoes that sentiment by naming five Bruins to their Preseason All-Big Ten teams. While having five players recognized on an All-Conference squad is notable, Athlon Sports divides selections into First, Second, Third, and Fourth teams, which collectively encompass 156 Big Ten players across those four honors. That 156-player total, when divided by the 18 Big Ten programs, averages out to about 8.7 players per school, a figure that can dampen the excitement around UCLA’s outlook. Even so, the Bruins’ preseason recognition remains meaningful, especially given that several of the honorees are newcomers to the program.
Among the highlighted names is Wayne Knight, who starred for James Madison last season, guiding the Dukes to the College Football Playoff field. Knight accumulated more than 1,700 yards from scrimmage and found the end zone ten times, underscoring his versatility and playmaking ability. Another JMU transfer, Sahir West, emerged as a standout freshman and earned the Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year distinction in 2025. West recorded seven sacks and forced a fumble, and UCLA is hoping he can replicate or even enhance that production in 2026.
Knight’s return to the field makes him the lone Bruin to appear on multiple preseason All-Conference lists, as he earned a spot on the two-time honorable mention circuit for the upcoming season. During his time with James Madison, he racked up 180 punt return yards and added 89 yards on kick returns, showcasing his special-teams potential in addition to his overall value to the offense.
Eugene Brooks is another transfer who arrives with a solid track record. He started 11 games for UCLA last season after joining from Oklahoma and is viewed as a key building block for the Bruins’ offensive line. Brooks is entering his redshirt sophomore year, a phase in which many players consolidate their technique and strength to become consistent contributors.
Like Brooks, Sammy Omosigho came to UCLA from the Oklahoma Sooners. Omosigho is preparing for his first season in Westwood, having posted 50 tackles for Oklahoma in the previous year. His arrival brings depth and experience to UCLA’s defensive front, and there are high hopes that he will translate his production to the Pac-12/Big Ten landscape in 2026.
Rodrick Pleasant stands out not only for his speed but also for his status as one of the quickest players in EA Sports’ College Football 27 roster. Pleasant has already earned All-Big Ten honorable mention in his first season with UCLA, and expectations are elevated for him to play a pivotal role as a cornerback again in 2026. His speed and ball skills make him a key piece in UCLA’s defensive backfield.
This brief recap of the preseason nods underscores the excitement surrounding UCLA heading into the season, particularly because several honorees are newcomers who bring fresh energy and proven production from their previous programs. The combination of experienced players and gifted transfers has the Bruins poised to make a meaningful impact as they navigate a challenging schedule. While the per-school average of preseason selections across the conference can temper some of the optimism, UCLA’s five-strong representation on Athlon Sports’ preseason All-Big Ten lists signals that the program has depth, talent, and high expectations for 2026.