UCLA‘s national recruiting push under first-year head coach Bob Chesney has produced another significant victory. Tupelo (Miss.) linebacker Kaiden Buchanan has committed to the Bruins, choosing UCLA over LSU, Notre Dame and Kentucky. The decision comes after Buchanan’s second trip to Los Angeles, where he watched UCLA defeat Wisconsin 17-7 and improve to 6-0.
The Bruins entered the weekend as Buchanan’s leader. He traveled across the country looking for confirmation that UCLA was the right fit.
He found it.
“When I went to the game, I saw the linebackers flying around making plays, and I just knew it was for me,” Buchanan told Rivals. “The relationships I had with the coaches, I just knew it was home for me.”
Buchanan had already established a strong connection with UCLA during his first visit June 20. The relationships continued growing throughout the summer and into the season, eventually pushing the Bruins ahead of the competition.
“I’d say relationships is what had them on top. We text almost every day, FaceTime, just talking, chopping it up. And really the educational part of it, too. All that had them at the top.”
The defensive scheme also played a significant role in his decision.
“I’d say their defensive system was a big part of my commitment. The system is made for a linebacker to thrive, how they have it, the relationships and the education part of it.”
The visit ultimately confirmed what Buchanan had already been feeling.
“I had that feeling before I even came,” Buchanan said. “At the end of the visit (Sunday), I told the staff. Everybody was excited. I came back upstairs, everybody was congratulating me.”
Chesney’s impact on the program has been another major selling point. UCLA’s unbeaten start has generated momentum on the recruiting trail, but Buchanan’s belief in the head coach extends beyond what the Bruins have accomplished on Saturdays.
“He really isn’t just about football,” Buchanan said of Chesney. “He’s about everything after football as well. When I came in June, he was telling me what plans they have, and they’ve executed so far.”
Buchana is UCLA’s first 2028 commit.