UCLA Ramps Up Recruitment of Top Offensive Lineman

Bruins make strong push for Lex Mailangi, a standout from Mater Dei High School

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:34pm

A cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented, geometric interpretation of a football offensive line, with sharp planes of blue, gold, and crimson colors representing the power and intensity of the sport.UCLA's aggressive pursuit of top offensive line recruit Lex Mailangi reflects the program's commitment to building a championship-caliber team through elite local talent.Santa Ana Today

The UCLA Bruins football program has intensified its recruitment efforts for Lex Mailangi, a highly sought-after offensive lineman from Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California. The team, led by head coach Bob Chesney, has made a concerted push to land the talented prospect in recent weeks.

Why it matters

Mailangi is considered one of the top offensive line recruits in the country, and his commitment would be a major coup for the Bruins as they look to bolster their offensive line and continue building a competitive program. Landing elite local talent is crucial for UCLA's recruiting efforts.

The details

The Bruins have made Mailangi a top priority in their 2024 recruiting class, ramping up their outreach and pitching the opportunity to play for a prominent program close to home. Chesney and his staff have been in frequent contact with the Mater Dei standout, highlighting UCLA's strong track record of developing offensive linemen and the chance to compete for championships in the Pac-12 Conference.

  • The Bruins have been actively recruiting Mailangi since the start of the 2023 season.
  • Chesney and his staff have intensified their efforts in recent weeks as Mailangi's recruitment has heated up.

The players

Bob Chesney

The head coach of the UCLA Bruins football team, leading the charge in the recruitment of Lex Mailangi.

Lex Mailangi

A highly touted offensive lineman from Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California, considered one of the top prospects in the country.

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What they’re saying

“Lex is a priority target for us, and we're going to do everything we can to bring him to UCLA. He's the kind of player who can help us take the next step as a program.”

— Bob Chesney, Head Coach, UCLA Bruins

What’s next

Mailangi is expected to take an official visit to UCLA in the coming weeks as he continues to evaluate his options. The Bruins will look to make a strong impression and solidify their position as the frontrunner for his commitment.

The takeaway

The aggressive pursuit of Lex Mailangi underscores UCLA's commitment to building a championship-caliber program by securing top local talent. The Bruins' success in landing Mailangi could have a significant impact on their future on the field and in recruiting.