After months without a commitment in the 2026 recruiting cycle, UCLA Bruins football finally has a breakthrough — and it comes with a familiar name. On Wednesday, three-star linebacker Matthew Muasau of powerhouse St. John Bosco officially committed to the Bruins, becoming the first defensive pledge in the class and the fifth overall.
Muasau, ranked the No. 124 linebacker nationally and No. 150 overall prospect in California by 247Sports, made his decision public after an official visit that left a lasting impression.
UCLA Bruins Lands First Defensive Commit in 2026 Class: Matthew Muasau Joins Bruins, Follows Brother’s Legacy
“Yessir, UCLA is home!” Muasau told Bruin Blitz that following a weekend packed with personal attention from the coaching staff, including head coach DeShaun Foster. “What really did it was just this OV, man, I already felt the love and support from UCLA.”
Matthew is the younger brother of former UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau, a two-time All-Pac-12 Second Team selection who led the Bruins in tackles both years before being drafted by the New York Giants in 2024. In his rookie NFL season, Darius posted 55 tackles, three for loss, an interception, and a pass defensed in 15 games (seven starts).
For Matthew, the connection to the program is deeper than family. During the visit, the Bruins emphasized a holistic player experience — combining elite athletic preparation, academics, and personal development. The itinerary included a Mother’s Day breakfast, a Rose Bowl tour, and in-depth meetings with staff, including inside linebackers coach Scott White and defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe.
“Coach Malloe said the ‘26 class is huge for them as they really are trying to stay away from the portal and make us the foundation,” Muasau said. “The ‘26 class will play if we go to UCLA, so there’s nothing more I could ever ask for from a program.”
With top quarterback Nico Iamaleava already on campus and a renewed push for in-state talent, Muasau’s commitment could be a turning point for UCLA’s underwhelming 2026 class — currently ranked near the bottom of the Big Ten, per Fox Sports’ Michael Cohen.
Still recovering from a December meniscus surgery, Muasau praised UCLA’s loyalty: “That speaks volumes — loyalty and love.”
His commitment might just be the first domino in a critical summer for DeShaun Foster’s rebuild.