UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster is creating a stir on the recruiting trail by highlighting the Bruins’ recent success in the NFL Draft. UCLA surpassed conventional powerhouses like USC and Cal in draft selections, with five players chosen in the 2025 NFL Draft, more than any other California school.
Foster uses this accomplishment to highlight the program’s capacity to produce players for the next level and draw in top in-state talent.
DeShaun Foster Points to UCLA’s Draft Success To Attract Top California Recruits
In a recent statement, Foster emphasized UCLA’s draft achievements, saying, “We had the most draft picks out of all the California schools.”
Recruits looking for programs to help them go to the NFL will find appeal in this message.
The Bruins’ outstanding draft result proves the coaching staff’s dedication to player exposure and development.
UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster was eager to point out that his program had the most NFL draft picks in the state this past week, turning it into a recruiting pitch for local talent: https://t.co/esvcZZftXf pic.twitter.com/j6skTa0qZA
— Tracy McDannald 📎 (@Tracy_McDannald) April 29, 2025
There were five Bruins taken in the 2025 NFL Draft:
- Carson Schwesinger, LB
33rd overall to the Cleveland Browns - Oluwafemi Oladejo, LB
52nd overall to the Tennessee Titans - Kain Medrano, LB
205th overall to the Washington Commanders - Jay Toia, DL
217th overall to the Dallas Cowboys - Moliki Matavao, TE
248th overall to the New Orleans Saints
This group showcases the depth of UCLA’s player development across positions.
Bruins Outpace In-State Rivals in NFL Draft Representation
UCLA’s five draft picks led California schools and tied for the fifth-most among all colleges nationwide. In contrast, USC had three players drafted, and Cal had four. This distinction positions UCLA as a premier destination for recruits aiming for NFL careers.
Foster’s emphasis on this achievement underscores the program’s upward trajectory. “It’s about showing recruits that UCLA is a place where their NFL dreams can become reality,” he noted. The message is clear: UCLA provides the platform, coaching, and exposure necessary for players to reach the professional level.
FOR MORE: Ranking NFL Draft Picks by School
Foster’s strategy goes beyond emphasizing draft rankings; it aims to position UCLA as a reliable route to the NFL. The Bruins hope to draw and develop players who can perform well on Saturdays and Sundays by emphasizing player development, academic assistance, and competitive play.
The latest draft’s success demonstrates this strategy. Top high school prospects from all throughout California are showing more interest, indicating that recruiters are paying attention. Foster’s point that UCLA serves as both a stepping stone and a springboard to the NFL resonates.
Foster’s Vision for UCLA Football
In his first season as head coach, DeShaun Foster has already shown that he can improve the program. He led five players to the NFL Draft despite taking over late in the process, which is evidence of his coaching prowess and the commitment of the staff. This accomplishment is especially remarkable considering how competitive college football is in California.
Foster aims to create a unified squad that succeeds on and off the field, going beyond individual achievement. He is building a foundation for long-term success by encouraging a culture of excellence and accountability. Both prospects and supporters are responding favorably to his style, which bodes well for UCLA football in the future.
KEEP READING: DeShaun Foster Explains Why Nico Iamaleava Chose To Transfer to UCLA
More than just a recruiting ploy, DeShaun Foster’s focus on UCLA’s NFL Draft success reflects the school’s dedication to quality. The Bruins show that they can produce NFL-ready players by outperforming other California institutions in terms of draft selections. UCLA’s attraction to elite in-state recruits is expected to increase as Foster builds upon this foundation, enhancing its standing as a top choice for prospective professional football players.
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