4-star CB Chuck McDonald visits UCLA Bruins

It’s a new era in Los Angeles, as DeShaun Foster takes the reins as the new head coach at UCLA.

The Bruins slipped on the recruiting trail in a major way last cycle, signing just 10 prospects — which compiled a class that ranked 70th in the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. Foster and the now-Big Ten program are looking to get back on track with the class of 2025.

Over the weekend, Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei four-star cornerback Chuck McDonald was on campus. The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder is set to be one of the top in-state targets for UCLA this cycle:

I had a great time this weekend @UCLAFootball . Appreciate yall! #GoBruins pic.twitter.com/RFD0CwJoOy

— Chuck McDonald III (@Chuck20fficial) March 11, 2024

McDonald is the No. 131 overall prospect and No. 14 corner in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 11 player in California.

USC has also been in pursuit of the blue-chip DB. He saw the Trojans multiple times last year and has also been back in 2024.

“There was a great benefit from attending the USC Junior Day, because I got to meet the new defensive coaching staff,” McDonald told WeAreSC. “I Talked to Coach Lynn for a while. It was great finally getting to talk to him and getting to know more about him. I also got to talk to Coach Belk a lot. He is a really cool coach and it was really great to get to catch up with him.”

Trips to Georgia, Notre Dame, Oregon, Stanford and Michigan are also currently on the docket for McDonald. He was also recently offered by Texas and is eyeing a trip to Austin to see the Longhorns at some point.

More on UCLA recruiting

Thus far in the 2025 cycle, the Bruins have a pair of commitments. San Juan Capistrano (Calif.) Hills three-star linebacker Weston Port pledged last month, while Temecula (Calif.) Chaparral CB Kuron Jabari Jr. committed earlier this month.

Going back to last cycle, West Hills (Calif.) Sierra Canyon four-star wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer highlighted the class as the No. 222 overall prospect. He was one of two blue-chippers to sign, along with Mission Viejo (Calif.) four-star offensive tackle Mark Schroller.

“When I got the UCLA offer, I was as happy as I could possibly be. I have been a Bruin since I was born,” Gilmer told On3 upon his commitment. “My mom is a UCLA alumnus, and while she was having me, she was at UCLA, and when she had me, she was at UCLA. I have been a Bruin my whole life. Why should I leave? I always thought that to myself. I know so much about UCLA, I love it at UCLA and it has been part of me for life, so this was the right place for me.”