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UCLA Football: Chip Kelly's Late Departure Just Cost Bruins A 2026 Recruit

Originally posted on FanNation All Bruins
By Ricardo Sandoval | Last updated 2/10/24

The UCLA Bruins received some shocking and not-so-much-shocking news at the same time when we learned Chip Kelly would leave Westwood.

Kelly decided to leave UCLA and become the new offensive coordinator for Big 10 powerhouse Ohio State Buckeyes. Many current and former players reacted to the news, including current recruits. While some are adamant that they will be a Bruin regardless of this news, others will look to take their talents elsewhere.

One recruit who will go elsewhere is an anonymous 2026 recruit who said he will most likely choose between Washington and Oregon, per Tracy McDannald of UCLA Rivals:

The anonymous recruit said UCLA was his dream school, but that all changed with the departure of Kelly.

For some time, it was rumored Kelly would leave for the NFL. But when the phone didn't ring, he left for now UCLA's Big 10 foe.

In six seasons with the Bruins, Kelly was mediocre. He led UCLA to a 36-35 record and failed to take them to new heights in what was such a promising hire back in 2018. It didn't work out for the 60-year-old coach or the program.

It's a shame it didn't pan out, and now the worst may be in store for the Bruins. This could be the first of many potential commits who will decide to pass over on UCLA. Or it could be the opposite, where players choose to consider UCLA seriously.

As for this anonymous recruit, it was for the worst. We'll see how things unfold on that front in the coming weeks.

This article first appeared on FanNation All Bruins and was syndicated with permission.

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