UCLA delivered one of the biggest recruiting coups of the 2026 cycle, landing a commitment from four-star offensive tackle Micah Smith, a target chased by premier SEC and Big Ten programs.
Smith’s recruiting flip represents a seismic shift in UCLA’s recruiting fortunes and the beginning of a new era in Bruins football.
OT Micah Smith’s Commitment Marks a Turning Point for UCLA Football
The recruiting journey that four-star 2026 offensive tackle Micah Smith has gone on is nothing short of impressive and serves as an example for everyone. Coming from Vero Beach High School in Florida, Smith garnered attention from SEC and Big Ten powerhouses like Alabama, Illinois, Arkansas, and Auburn.
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According to 247 Sports, Smith is the 16th-best interior lineman in his class. The young player not only stands 6’5.5″ but also weighs 320 pounds, which makes his position on the field as imposing as his list of suitors.
The lineman’s recruitment was fiercely contested. He took spring visits to each finalist, but it was his official visit to UCLA in May that tipped the scales. The relationship he built with new offensive line coach Andy Kwon was pivotal.
“My relationship with [Kwon] was a huge factor,” Smith told ESPN. “That’s the person that’s going to develop you. The culture of the program, that connection with the O-line coach and the opportunity to play when I get there were all big for me”.
UCLA OL coach Andy Kwon, who arrived from Arkansas State this offseason, played a key role in helping the Bruins land a major 2026 recruiting win with OT Micah Smith.
“My relationship with him was a huge factor,” he told ESPN. “That’s the person that’s going to develop you.” https://t.co/KJ3qJWlnvR
— Eli Lederman (@ByEliLederman) June 7, 2025
Smith’s commitment is historic for UCLA. He is the Bruins’ first ESPN 300 pledge for the 2026 class and their highest-rated offensive line recruit since 2009. For head coach DeShaun Foster, who took over in February 2024, Smith’s decision validates a revamped recruiting strategy—one that targets national talent and leverages personal relationships.
Beyond the rankings, Smith brings versatility and leadership. As a junior, he anchored the right tackle spot at Vero Beach, playing both offense and defense, and was invited to the prestigious Under Armour All-America Game.
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His commitment is expected to spark peer recruiting, making UCLA a more attractive destination for other elite prospects, especially quarterbacks who want a reliable offensive line.
Smith’s own words capture the spirit of this new era: “Don’t follow the trends, make your own mark and BE DIFFERENT,” he posted after his commitment.
With Smith on board, UCLA’s recruiting class now ranks ahead of traditional Big Ten rivals like Michigan and Oregon, underlining the program’s upward trajectory.
As the Bruins transition into their second year of the Big Ten, landing a blue-chip talent from SEC and Big Ten territory is more than just a win—it’s a statement. The Bruins are no longer content to watch from the sidelines; they’re building a foundation for sustained national relevance, and Smith is the cornerstone of that vision.
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