University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
UCLA Football Announces Recruiting Staff Members
February 11, 2026 | Football
LOS ANGELES โ UCLA football head coach Bob Chesney announced the Bruins' 2026 recruiting staff members on Wednesday. The staff joins general manager Darrick Yray, who was announced on Dec. 23, 2025.
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"Elite scouting, recruiting and talent evaluation are key to building a championship-caliber football program," Chesney said. "Our front office and coaching staff share the same vision and have a clear understanding of the high-character student-athletes we want to bring into our UCLA Family. This recruiting staff brings a wealth of knowledge, deep connections and a tireless work ethic that will help identify the next generation of Bruins."
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The recruiting staff features eight new members, including three who arrive from programs based on the West Coast and Southwest: JR Moala (Oregon State), Deontrae Cooper (Arizona State) and Nick So'oto (California). Five members are following Chesney from James Madison: Nathan Applebaum, Cristos Argys, Trey Lane, Reed Horner and Michael Moriarty. Three members from last year's recruiting staff are returning: Steven Price, Marshawn Friloux and JD Lake.
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2026 UCLA Football Recruiting Staff
Darrick Yray โ General Manager
Steven Price โ Assistant General Manager
Nathan Applebaum โ Executive Director, Player Personnel
JR Moala โ Executive Director, Recruiting
Deontrae Cooper โ Director, College Personnel
Nick So'oto โ Director, Player Personnel
Marshawn Friloux โ Senior Director, Football Recruiting Operations
Cristos Argys โ Director, Recruiting Strategy
Trey Lane โ Recruiting Analyst
Reed Horner โ Recruiting Analyst
JD Lake โ Recruiting Analyst
Michael Moriarty โ Recruiting Analyst
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To read about each staff member, click HERE.
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Chesney's recruiting staff helped assemble the 11th-ranked transfer portal class in the country this past January, according to media outlet On3. The 43-player group consists of two four-star transfer recruits and six former four-star high school recruits. UCLA addressed needs on the offensive line (10 signees), defensive line (9) and at wideout (6). Six of those offensive linemen have a large amount of starting experience with 10 or more starts on the FBS level. Notable transfers include defensive back Tao Johnson, running back Wayne Knight, wide receiver Aiden Mizell, linebacker Sammy Omosigho and defensive lineman Sahir West, among others.
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"Elite scouting, recruiting and talent evaluation are key to building a championship-caliber football program," Chesney said. "Our front office and coaching staff share the same vision and have a clear understanding of the high-character student-athletes we want to bring into our UCLA Family. This recruiting staff brings a wealth of knowledge, deep connections and a tireless work ethic that will help identify the next generation of Bruins."
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The recruiting staff features eight new members, including three who arrive from programs based on the West Coast and Southwest: JR Moala (Oregon State), Deontrae Cooper (Arizona State) and Nick So'oto (California). Five members are following Chesney from James Madison: Nathan Applebaum, Cristos Argys, Trey Lane, Reed Horner and Michael Moriarty. Three members from last year's recruiting staff are returning: Steven Price, Marshawn Friloux and JD Lake.
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2026 UCLA Football Recruiting Staff
Darrick Yray โ General Manager
Steven Price โ Assistant General Manager
Nathan Applebaum โ Executive Director, Player Personnel
JR Moala โ Executive Director, Recruiting
Deontrae Cooper โ Director, College Personnel
Nick So'oto โ Director, Player Personnel
Marshawn Friloux โ Senior Director, Football Recruiting Operations
Cristos Argys โ Director, Recruiting Strategy
Trey Lane โ Recruiting Analyst
Reed Horner โ Recruiting Analyst
JD Lake โ Recruiting Analyst
Michael Moriarty โ Recruiting Analyst
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To read about each staff member, click HERE.
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Chesney's recruiting staff helped assemble the 11th-ranked transfer portal class in the country this past January, according to media outlet On3. The 43-player group consists of two four-star transfer recruits and six former four-star high school recruits. UCLA addressed needs on the offensive line (10 signees), defensive line (9) and at wideout (6). Six of those offensive linemen have a large amount of starting experience with 10 or more starts on the FBS level. Notable transfers include defensive back Tao Johnson, running back Wayne Knight, wide receiver Aiden Mizell, linebacker Sammy Omosigho and defensive lineman Sahir West, among others.
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Coach Chesney Signing Day Interview on Big Ten Network (Feb. 4, 2026)
Wednesday, February 04
UCLA Football Donor Dinner 2026
Thursday, January 29
The First 48 Hours - Head Coach Bob Chesney Welcomed at UCLA
Friday, December 12
Bruin Insider Show - Bob Chesney (Dec. 10, 2025)
Wednesday, December 10