Los Angeles is brimming with hype. On June 7, UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster landed the game-changing commitment from top-tier 2026 offensive lineman prospect Micah Smith out of Vero Beach, Florida. This commitment further strengthens the Bruins’ 2026 recruiting class and sets the expectations for the upcoming season.
To celebrate beating the competitors for the commitment, Foster shared a powerful, three-word message on his social media that hints at what the program is striving for.
UCLA Bruins Secure Another Win, Continue Recruiting Dominance in DeShaun Foster Era
After a fierce recruiting competition and fierce tug of war, UCLA finally managed to bag 2026 four-star lineman Micah Smith.
He is a 6’3″, 320-pound four-star offensive tackle from Vero Beach, Florida. His commitment prompted Foster to celebrate with a concise three-word message on X that said, “Coast 2 Coast,” pointing towards the fact that the Bruins are dominating the recruiting race across the country, not just in Southern California.
😎 Coast 2 Coast
— DeShaun Foster (@DeShaunFoster26) June 7, 2025
Ranked No. 46 in the 2026 ESPN 300 and the seventh-best offensive tackle in his class, Smith is Foster’s highest-rated recruit yet.
His commitment, announced in the gymnasium of Vero Beach High School, vaulted UCLA’s 2026 recruiting class higher in the 247Sports’ rankings. With nine pledges secured, Smith stands as the class’s centerpiece, the highest-rated signee since quarterback Dante Moore in 2023.
THANK YOU LORD JESUS! #DoMore #GoBruins pic.twitter.com/nMEXTAy0kN
— Micah Champion Smith (@ChampSmith55) June 7, 2025
Smith dominated at right tackle during his junior year, while also recording 22 tackles and 2.5 sacks on defense. His invitation to the 2025 Under Armour All-America Game further secured his high status.
Smith chose UCLA over Alabama, Ohio State, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Illinois, swayed by his connection with the new offensive line coach and the future that UCLA may help him secure.
DeShaun Foster’s UCLA Legacy
A UCLA legend with 3,194 rushing yards and 39 touchdowns from 1998 to 2001, Foster’s credibility is not something anyone doubts. His focus on discipline and enthusiasm has not only enriched the program’s culture but also helped them come this far.
With Smith’s commitment, it seems like slowly and progressively, Foster is building a formidable team that will stand up to his standards to push the program further.
MORE: UCLA Steals Massive 4-Star OT From SEC, Big Ten Powerhouses, Marking New Era in Los Angeles
His first season leading the Bruins was a tough one. UCLA’s first year in the Big Ten resulted in a 5-7 record, which left much to be desired. Still, his recruiting successes make a turnaround in 2025 possible.
In the end, by out-recruiting SEC and Big Ten powerhouses, UCLA is proving its worth in the modern recruiting arena. Foster’s “Coast 2 Coast” message shows how the program is all in for recruiting and setting up talents from all over the country.
With Smith fortifying the offensive line and a revitalized roster, the Bruins are laying the groundwork for a deep Big Ten run.
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