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:
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.”
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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.”