LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- UCLA football continued its offseason rebuild with the addition of defensive tackle Maxwell Roy, who committed to the Bruins after spending his freshman season at Ohio State.
Ohio State true freshman DT Maxwell Roy (@MaxwellRoy8) has committed to UCLA, his agent @J_FrioEsq tells @CBSSports.
— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) January 11, 2026
The 6-foot-3, 301-pound Roy was a 4-star recruit in the 2025 class and was an All-American wrestler in HS. https://t.co/k28I1p2RQy pic.twitter.com/NA37ynVpi7
Head coach Bob Chesney and his staff have prioritized strengthening the trenches, and Roy represents another step toward addressing one of the program’s most glaring weaknesses from the 2025 season.
Roy arrives in Westwood after a quiet year in Columbus, where injuries prevented him from seeing the field during his first collegiate campaign. While his time with the Buckeyes did not include game action, the Bruins are banking on Roy’s long-term potential and physical tools as he looks to restart his college career in a new environment under defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler.
Physically, Roy fits the mold of what UCLA needs in the middle of its defensive front. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 301 pounds, he provides size and strength that can help anchor the interior and absorb blocks in the run game.
Coming out of high school, Roy was regarded as a highly talented prospect, earning a ranking as the No. 33 defensive lineman nationally in the 2025 recruiting class by 247Sports. His value dipped in the transfer portal rankings after an injury-impacted freshman year, but UCLA appears focused on what he can become rather than what he has done so far.
The Bruins’ need for reinforcements up front was evident last season. UCLA struggled mightily to generate pressure, finishing with just 10 total sacks, the fewest in the Big Ten. The issues extended beyond pass rush, as the Bruins also surrendered the second-most rushing yards per game in the conference.
Those numbers underscored the lack of depth, size, and consistency along the defensive line, making upgrades a clear offseason priority.
Roy joins a defensive front that is undergoing significant turnover. While he is far from a finished product, his addition gives UCLA another developmental piece with a Power Five pedigree. With a full offseason to get healthy and acclimated to a new system, Roy will have the opportunity to carve out a role, whether as part of the rotation or as a situational contributor.
For a program coming off a disappointing 3–9 season, incremental improvements across the roster are essential. Roy may not be a proven difference-maker yet, but his arrival reflects UCLA’s broader strategy and upside in the trenches. If he can translate his physical traits into on-field production, the Bruins’ defensive line could take an important step forward in 2026.