UCLA football 2026 depth chart projection (Offense)
- Nico Iamaleava is UCLA's starting quarterback, while Cal Poly transfer Ty Dieffenbach is projected to win the backup job after taking more second-unit reps late in camp.
- Anthony Woods and a healthy Wayne Knight project as co-starting running backs, but UCLA expects a three-man workload with Jaivian Thomas also receiving substantial carries.
- Transfer receivers Brian Rowe and Landon Ellis are expected to be featured heavily, with Rowe the projected lead target and UCLA using Mikey Matthews and Semaj Morgan primarily from the slot.
- Josh Phifer projects as UCLA's starting tight end and top receiver at the position, while Harry Lodge provides the best blocking and shares a two-tight-end package with Brayden Loftin.
- Riley Robell is UCLA's starting center when healthy and returned to full practice Friday after an MCL sprain, with Derek Osman having taken most first-team snaps during his absence.
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UCLA football practice observations: Tuesday of Cal week
- UCLA expects Tao Johnson, Riley Robell and Aidan Mizell to be available at Cal despite Johnson remaining in a non-contact jersey, Robell's MCL strain and Mizell's fall-camp hamstring issue.
- Center Sam Yoon, freshman defensive lineman James Moffat and veteran cornerback Jamier Johnson did not participate in UCLA's Tuesday practice.
- Cole Martin appears fully recovered from his muscle injury, while Mikey Matthews and Semaj Morgan are the leading punt-return candidates and the kickoff-return job remains unsettled.
- UCLA's first-team offense looked sharp with heavy tight-end usage, all three running backs rotating beside Nico Iamaleava and Landon Ellis and Brian Rowe opening as the outside receivers.
- Madden Iamaleava operated as UCLA's second quarterback in the viewed team period while Ty Dieffenbach remained on the side and did not take team reps.
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