2025 EDGE Epi Sitanilei commits to UCLA Bruins

Bellflower (Calif.) Rancho Cucamonga three-star EDGE Epi Sitanilei has committed to UCLA, he announced on Sunday.

He chose the in-state Bruins over California, Ohio State and Utah.

Sitanilei is the No. 673 overall prospect and No. 58 EDGE 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. 57 player in California.

Head coach DeShaun Foster and the new-look Bruins have struck once again on the in-state recruiting trail. Sitanilei was one of the many Golden State recruits who took a May official visit to Westwood and he’s now the eighth in-state commitment for the new Big Ten program this cycle.

“I can say that being on campus at UCLA for their Friday Night Lights event was impressive,” Sitanilei previously told On3’s Steve Wiltfong. “The staff took the time to talk to as many recruits, families, and fans as they could. I loved that they tried to acknowledge everyone there. The staff there is fired up about the entire program! And you can feel that culture shift from the top down – everybody is giving 100 percent. 

“I think it’s important to have a good relationship and connection with your line coaches and I’m building that with Coach (Ikaika) Malloe and Coach (Tony Washington. It’s all positive for sure. To have an opportunity to play for those guys is something to be excited about. I think UCLA is building something special.”

UCLA adds to top-30 recruiting class

With the addition of Sitanilei, UCLA has now landed seven commitments this month, doubling its 2025 recruiting class in the process. The class now ranks No. 29 in the nation and No. 9 in the Big Ten, according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

Pittsburg (Calif.) four-star safety Jadyn Hudson highlights the recent additions, as he committed on June 15, becoming the third four-star to join the fold. Hudson is the No. 240 recruit and No. 21 safety in the cycle.

Long Beach (Calif.) Warren four-star quarterback Madden Iamaleava was UCLA’s top target under center and he joined the class on May 25. The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder is the No. 11 QB in the nation.

“The new staff at UCLA has great NFL experience and getting to the NFL is my goal,” Iamaleava told On3. “Coach White and Coach Eric Bieneimy have coached in the NFL, they have great knowledge and they are great coaches.”

Hesperia (Calif.) Oak Hills four-star running back commit Karson Cox is a major outlier for On3, as he is the No. 9 RB in the 2025 On300 despite being outside the top 300 overall in the On3 Industry Ranking. He also committed in May.

Other top commits in the class include San Juan Capistrano (Calif.) San Juan Hills three-star linebacker Weston Port, Temecula (Calif.) Chapparal three-star cornerback Kuron Jabari Jr., Rocklin (Calif.) three-star offensive tackle Garrison Blank and Graham (Wash.) Kapowsin three-star tight end Noah Flores.