Do the UCLA Bruins have a Top-10 player in all of college football? You might not think so right off of the bat, but ESPN ranked the Top-25 players so far this season with UCLA linebacker Sammy Omosigho coming in at No. 9 on their list.
Omosigho is worthy of the selection, he’s been absolutely fantastic in his first six games as a Bruin. UCLA’s defense as a whole has exceeded expectations and Omosigho is the prime example of that, having made 46 tackles, recording three sacks, picking up two passes defensed with an NCAA-leading five forced fumbles.
Not only is the five forced fumbles in six games a statistical anomaly, it’s been how UCLA’s defense has found success in 2026, creating 19 turnovers which ranks second in the nation behind New Mexico.
“One of the few key transfer portal additions who didn't come from James Madison -- where first-year head coach Bob Chesney was before taking the UCLA gig -- Omosigho has been an absolutely essential force for the Bruins' stout defense,” Paolo Uggetti wrote. “The 6-2, 239-pound Oklahoma transfer has already matched his solo tackle total and surpassed his sack total from last year. He has been a crucial part of UCLA's defense, which is allowing under 100 rushing yards per game and has so far forced 19 turnovers (second most in the sport). Omosigho is responsible for five of those alone.”
Omosigho has been in the middle of the Bruins defense all season long and the Oklahoma transfer has been one of the best players in the country so far this season. UCLA and Omosigho will look to continue that on Saturday against Michigan State.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: ESPN ranks LB Sammy Omosigho as the No. 9 player in college football