UCLA Bruins: 3 Star WR Spurns Big 10 Rival For Westwood

The UCLA Bruins added another key piece to their surging 2026 recruiting class on Monday morning, as three-star wide receiver Xavier Stinson of Vero Beach (Fla.) announced his commitment following an official visit to Westwood.

Stinson’s decision to join the Bruins is rooted in the culture fostered by new head coach DeShaun Foster, and reinforced by strong personal relationships with the coaching staff.

“Definitely culture and how personal it is,” Stinson told UCLA Bruins on SI. “The receiver coaches and offensive coordinator helped me make this decision. I feel truly honored for them to believe in me.”

Originally scheduled to visit Michigan State this weekend, Stinson canceled all remaining visits after committing, stating:

“It’s time to have some fun.”


East Coast to Westwood Pipeline

Syndication: Treasure Coast UCLA Bruins Commit
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Is it a great day to be alive and to be a Bruin?

Stinson’s commitment marks the fourth Florida recruit in two weeks to choose UCLA, as Foster’s staff doubles down on national outreach. He joins high school teammate Micah “Champion” Smith, a four-star offensive lineman, in a move Smith proudly dubbed “2 Vero Boys Coast 2 Coast” in a congratulatory post on social media.

The 6-foot-2, 195-pound wideout is ranked No. 118 at his position nationally by 247Sports and No. 107 overall in Florida. Stinson adds size and versatility to a Bruins receiver corps that already includes six commits in the class.

UCLA Bruins Fit & Impact

A reliable outside receiver with good size and solid game speed (11.1s in the 100m), Stinson tallied 43 catches for 740 yards and 7 TDs last season. While not an immediate burner, his route-running, strong hands, and ability to win against press coverage give him clear potential to contribute by Year 2 in Westwood.

His value also lies in what he represents: a trusted companion for Smith, increasing the likelihood both stay committed and thrive away from home.


With 17 total pledges and a Top 16 national ranking, UCLA’s 2026 class is shaping up to be among the program’s strongest in recent memory.

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