The UCLA Bruins kicked off the Bob Chesney era with their Spring Game at the historic Rose Bowl this past Saturday, and the energy was electric. While Chesney and his staff have been on a recruiting tear—building a Top-10 2027 class with a flurry of commitments—the current roster showed it has plenty of firepower to excite fans this season.
247 Sports' UCLA reporter Mike Regalado highlighted four players who truly shined during the scrimmage. Let's break down the standouts who could be key contributors this fall.
Madden Iamaleava (Quarterback)
All eyes are on starting QB Nico Iamaleava to lead the offense, but his younger brother, Madden, made a strong case for the backup role. After transferring from Arkansas to join Nico at UCLA last year, Madden showcased poise and arm talent on Saturday. If Nico declares for the NFL after 2026, the Iamaleava name could remain the Bruins' signal-caller for years to come.
Hayden Holland (Edge Rusher)
The pass rush was a bright spot for UCLA's defense, and Holland was its catalyst. Reports indicate the 6'4" edge rusher racked up three sacks during the game. A former three-star recruit from Inglewood High School, Holland is entering his second season with the Bruins and looks poised to bring serious heat off the edge for a revamped defensive unit.
Anthony Woods (Running Back)
Woods has shown flashes across three college seasons at Idaho and UCLA, but improved offensive line play and a deeper scheme could unlock his full potential. The Bruins have added backfield depth with Wayne Knight from James Madison, but Woods' versatility and vision could earn him a significant role this fall.
Semaj Morgan (Wide Receiver)
The former Michigan wideout made an immediate impact, hauling in a deep pass from Madden Iamaleava. Morgan, who won an NCAA championship with the Wolverines in 2023, has been a model of consistency—never catching fewer than 20 passes or more than 27 in a season. With UCLA's offense looking to stretch the field, Morgan's role could expand dramatically.
With recruiting momentum and emerging talent, the Bruins are building something special. Keep an eye on these four as UCLA prepares for the 2025 season.