The UCLA Bruins have struck recruiting gold deep in SEC territory. On Monday night, 6-foot-7, 315-pound offensive tackle Johnnie “DJ” Jones — a top-150 recruit in the 2026 class — announced his commitment to UCLA, choosing the Bruins over powerhouses Florida State, Penn State, Ole Miss, and Vanderbilt.
The Bradenton, Florida native had narrowed his choices to six in late May, but a recent official visit to Los Angeles sealed the deal. Jones becomes the crown jewel of DeShaun Foster’s early recruiting efforts as the Bruins’ head coach, and a major win for first-year offensive line coach Andy Kwon, who has now landed back-to-back four-star linemen in just over two days.
“Isaiah 54:17. Go Bruins,” Jones posted, keeping his message simple but strong.
UCLA Bruins Steal Massive 4-Star OT Johnnie Jones from SEC Country
Ranked No. 142 nationally by 247Sports Composite and the No. 11 offensive tackle in the country, Jones is known for his rare combination of size, reach, and raw athleticism. He played basketball for most of his youth before fully dedicating himself to football — a move that paid off when he became a key starter for Florida’s 2M state champions as a sophomore.
His scouting report paints the picture of a future anchor on the left side of the line. With a near 7-foot-1 wingspan and strong run-blocking instincts in a power-based scheme, Jones is a physical presence in the trenches. While his pass protection remains a work in progress, his ceiling is as high as any lineman in the class, and scouts believe he could become a multi-year starter for a College Football Playoff contender after a few developmental semesters.
For a program that has struggled to land elite offensive linemen in recent cycles, Jones marks a turning point. He’s now the fifth four-star in UCLA’s 2026 class, helping boost the Bruins’ national recruiting ranking to No. 18 per 247Sports.
His decision also reflects growing trust in Foster’s long-term vision for UCLA football.
“It was Johnnie’s journey and his decision,” said his father, Johnnie Sr., a former USF player. “UCLA was real. We saw longevity on and off the field. He feels he can be one of the main pillars of what UCLA is building.”
Despite heavy recruiting efforts from Florida State and early buzz around Miami, it was the West Coast that ultimately won over the Sunshine State standout — a sign that UCLA’s recruiting momentum under Foster is both real and rising.