Can UCLA Football’s Top 5 Players Make The NFL?

As UCLA football kicks off its first season in the Big Ten, the Bruins are leaning on a mix of veteran leadership and emerging stars to make a splash in their new conference. With the stakes higher than ever, these key players are expected to step up and lead the charge. Here’s a closer look at the Bruins who are primed to shine in 2024 and potentially make their mark in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Can UCLA Football’s Top 5 Players Make The NFL?

Jay Toia – Defensive Tackle

Jay Toia is set to be a pivotal player on UCLA’s defensive front. At 6’3″ and 325 pounds, Toia is a formidable presence in the middle, anchoring a Bruins defense that needs to be resilient against the power-packed offenses of the Big Ten. After transferring from USC, Toia has quickly become a cornerstone of the defensive line, known for his ability to stuff the run and collapse the pocket. His physicality and toughness are exactly what the Bruins need as they face some of the most physical teams in the country. With a strong season, Toia could position himself as a mid-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, potentially rising higher if he continues to dominate in the trenches.

Ethan Garbers – Quarterback

Ethan Garbers’ time has finally come. After patiently waiting for his opportunity, Garbers now leads the Bruins’ offense as the bonafide starter. With a solid arm and a calm demeanor in the pocket, he’s shown glimpses of what he can do, but this season is his chance to showcase his talent fully. Garbers isn’t just playing to win games; he’s playing to prove he has what it takes to play on Sundays. With a deep group of receivers in Westwood, the pressure is on Garbers to perform consistently.

If he can guide UCLA through a tough Big Ten schedule and put up big numbers, he could catch the eyes of NFL scouts looking for a late-round/undrafted gem. His relationship with new OC Eric Bieniemy will be a key on offense this season as Bieniemy was the mastermind behind some of the best offenses in the NFL with the Chiefs. If he can bring the pro-style offense to UCLA, it’d position Garbers in a great spot to make a team.

TJ Harden – Running Back

TJ Harden is the kind of running back that NFL teams drool over, big, fast, and versatile. At 6’1″, 215 pounds, Harden is built to handle the physicality of the Big Ten, but it’s his ability to contribute in all phases of the game that makes him special. Whether he’s powering through the line for tough yards or catching passes out of the backfield, Harden is the engine that drives the Bruins’ offense. Expect the Bruins to utilize him in a similar way that the Chiefs used to use Kareem Hunt . It also helps his case for being involved given the fact that his head coach used to be his position coach.

His performance this season will be critical, not just for UCLA’s success, but for his own draft stock. UCLA RBs have fared well in recent years, with at least one back going to the league in the last 5 years. Harden has the talent to follow in his predecessor’s footsteps like Demetric Felton, Josh Kelley, Brittain Brown, Zach Charbonnet , and his former teammate Carson Steele . A strong season could easily propel him into the middle rounds of the draft.

Logan Loya – Wide Receiver

Logan Loya is poised to take on a significant role in UCLA’s passing game this season. Loya is a reliable slot receiver with excellent hands and route-running ability, making him a favorite target in key situations. Standing at 5’11” and 190 pounds, Loya may not have the prototypical size of an NFL receiver, but his quickness and football IQ more than makeup for it. With Eric Bieniemy now overseeing the offense, Loya’s role could expand, giving him more opportunities to showcase his skills to NFL scouts. A productive season could see Loya enter the conversation as a late-round pick, particularly if he excels in the high-pressure environments of Big Ten play.

J.Michael Sturdivant – Wide Receiver

J. Michael Sturdivant is another wide receiver to watch this season. The speedy wideout transferred from Cal and immediately made an impact, showing off his ability to stretch the field and make big plays. At 6’3″, 205 pounds, Sturdivant has the physical tools to compete against top-tier defensive backs, and his knack for finding the end zone has already made him a favorite target in UCLA’s passing attack. If he can continue to build chemistry with Garbers and make plays in big moments, Sturdivant could see his NFL draft stock rise significantly by season’s end.

More must-reads:

• UCLA Bruins Slot Receiver Duo Ready To Explode Vs. Hawaii
• UCLA Bruins WR Stunned By New Pro-Style Offense