Micah Smith Commits to UCLA Football: ESPN 300 Recruit
UCLA scores a major victory! Micah “Champ” smith,a top-50 ESPN 300 recruit and four-star offensive tackle,has committed to the Bruins,marking a meaningful recruiting win for coach DeShaun Foster. Smith,ranked No. 46 overall in the ESPN 300 for the class of 2026, chose UCLA over several other prominent programs. His strong relationship with offensive line coach Andy Kwon,coupled with the program’s development plan,sealed the deal. This commitment promptly strengthens their 2026 recruiting class, especially on the offensive line. Smith will be the highest-ranked signee since 2023. News Directory 3 is covering Smith’s impact on the team.Discover what’s next for the Bruins as they build on this momentum!
UCLA Lands Micah ‘Champ’ Smith, Top Offensive Tackle recruit
Updated June 7, 2025
Micah “Champ” Smith, a highly touted four-star offensive tackle and No. 46 prospect in the ESPN 300 for 2026, has pledged to UCLA. Smith announced his commitment to ESPN on Saturday, marking a critically important recruiting victory for the Bruins under head coach DeShaun Foster.
The 6-foot-3, 320-pound lineman from Vero Beach, Florida, chose UCLA over Alabama, Illinois, Ohio State, South Carolina, and Tennessee.Official visits to each program preceded his decision.
Smith cited his connection with Bruins offensive line coach Andy Kwon and the program’s developmental plan as pivotal in his choice. Following his commitment, Smith confirmed he would cease further recruitment visits.
“My relationship with [Kwon] was a huge factor,” Smith said.”That’s the person that’s going to develop you. The culture of the program, that connection with the O-line coach and the possibility to play when I get there were all big for me.”
Smith is the first ESPN 300 commit in UCLA’s 2026 class and represents a major addition for Foster, who took over the program in February 2024. This commitment enhances UCLA’s recruiting efforts, notably in securing top offensive line talent and bolstering their overall recruiting class.
If Smith signs with UCLA, he will be their highest-ranked signee since quarterback Dante Moore in 2023 and the highest-rated offensive line addition since Xavier Su’a-Filo in 2009.
Smith established himself as Vero Beach High School’s starting right tackle in 2023. As a junior, he also played defensive line, recording 22 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He was invited to the 2025 Under Armour All-America Game in January.
Smith is the Bruins’ ninth overall commit and first offensive line addition in the 2026 class, addressing a key need for the program.
“I just felt it when I went there – it felt like home to me,” Smith said of his official visit to UCLA. “I was never certain of when I was going to commit. But when I felt right about it, I knew I was going to be ready to make that the time to do it. It felt right.”
With Smith’s decision, a majority of the nation’s top offensive tackles are now committed. Other notable commitments include Jackson Cantwell to Miami and Keenyi Pepe to USC. Immanuel Iheanacho is still considering Auburn, LSU, Oregon, and Penn State.
What’s next
Smith’s commitment provides a significant boost to UCLA’s 2026 recruiting class, and the Bruins will look to build on this momentum by targeting other top prospects in the coming months.The coaching staff aims to solidify their offensive line and overall team strength through strategic recruiting efforts.