Top UCLA recruits are excited about DeShaun Foster and the new staff’s vision
UCLA hosted some top targets for the spring game last weekend as the DeShaun Foster era has caught the eye of many of the area’s best prospects.
Bruins General Manager Butler Benton and Director of Player Personnel Stacey Ford helped organize a great experience that was well received by the touted players that made it in.
“My experience was great,” Clovis (Calif.) North 2025 running back McKay Madsen said. “Always being warmly welcomed by the entire staff and really feel their love and energy.
“What excites me is how experienced the staff is and the enthusiasm they are bringing to revamp the program and culture.”
UCLA is the On3 RPM favorite to ultimately land the 6-foot-2, 235-pound Madsen who rushed for 995 yards and 18 touchdowns this past season.
Temecula (Calif.) Murietta Valley offensive lineman Drew Nichols likes the vision of the new staff.
“I enjoyed my time at the showcase!” Nichols exclaimed. “Me and my friend (2026 OL) Luke Kingman had a great time watching Coach (Juan) Castillo coach up the guys.
Castillo has over 30-years experience.
“Every time I talk to him I learn something new!” Nichols stated. “It seems like they’re getting the culture on the right track at UCLA and I can appreciate that. I’m excited to see where this team goes and hopefully get on an official soon to get some perspective!
“UCLA is looking great!”
One of the state’s top 2026 prospects visited in the On3 Industry’s No. 3 linebacker in the country Talanoa Ili.
“It was an amazing opportunity to be able to see so many good people, coaches, player and etc,” Ili said. He is the No. 37 prospect in the country regardless of position. “I’m excited to see what the team has for this season and with the new coaching staff!
“Overall everything was good and I feel a lot of love from UCLA.”
Pasadena (Calif.) Sierra Canyon 2026 safety and USC commit Madden Riordan also feels a lot of love from USC.
“What I liked was the respect the fans and coaches have for Coach Foster,” Riordan said. “They clearly want him and he has a great future for this program.”
A couple things are standing out as UCLA works to flip Riordan.
Just them being so close to home and my relationship with the staff especially Coach (Kodi) Whit(field) the corners coach.”
Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.) 2025 edge rusher Epi Sitanilei wanted to be there but wasn’t able to make it. He has been on the Bruins campus before.
“I can say that being on campus at UCLA for their Friday Night Lights event was impressive,” Sitanilei said. “The staff took the time to talk to as many recruits, families, and fans as they could. I loved that they tried to acknowledge everyone there. The staff there is fired up about the entire program! And you can feel that culture shift from the top down – everybody is giving 100 percent.
“I think it’s important to have a good relationship and connection with your line coaches and I’m building that with Coach (Ikaika) Malloe and Coach (Tony Washington. It’s all positive for sure. To have an opportunity to play for those guys is something to be excited about.
“I think UCLA is building something special.”
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