UCLA Lands 2027 4-Star Offensive Lineman
If one thing is clear, it's that Bob Chesney is operating UCLA like an elite program.
The Bruins were able to land Jackson Roper, a 6-foot-5, 305-pound interior offensive lineman from Colorado. Roper is ranked 166th nationally, 9th at his position, and first in Colorado. This is a massive addition for the Bruins, especially considering they just lost Garrett DiGiorgio.
Why This Is Impressive
What makes this recruitment so impressive is the number of teams UCLA beat out. Not only did the Bruins beat Colorado - the school closest to Roper - but they also beat Big Ten powerhouses like USC, Ohio State, Oregon, and Michigan.
It should also be noted that UCLA beat out SEC programs such as Texas A&M, Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, and Oklahoma. When you factor in geography, this win becomes even more impressive. UCLA has completely changed its identity with Chesney. This can only be a good thing.
This move also puts UCLA firmly in thetop 10 of the 2027 recruiting cycle, and fifth in the Big Ten behind USC, Penn State, Ohio State, and Oregon. It's also the highest-ranked class UCLA has had since 2018. Chesney is all gas, no brakes.
Who Is Jackson Roper?
4 OL Jackson Roper has committed to UCLA #ChesneyTrainpic.twitter.com/VhUwEbF9E1
- Barstool UCLA (@StoolWestwood) May 1, 2026
What immediately stands out about Roper is his athleticism. Throughout high school, he played multiple positions - not just across the offensive line, but also at defensive tackle. That kind of versatility is only a good thing for UCLA.
Right now, it's clear UCLA needed more help on the offensive line. While they brought in a good number of transfers and added three-star Jackson Hill, they hadn't landed elite talent at the position. This is their first 4-star offensive lineman since Thomas Cole in 2021.
With UCLA trending toward a more run-heavy system, landing Roper - especially with this level of competition - makes this commitment even more valuable. UCLA's offensive potential should be on full display for years, as Roper is projected to be a multi-year starter.
The bottom line is, UCLA has been on fire on the recruiting trail. With Roper committing, the Bruins are firmly in a position where they can't be ignored as an elite program. And the best part - there's still plenty of time to add even more talent.
Chesney is leading the Bruins into a new era where the program looks to be competitive on a national scale. Landing elite talents like Roper is a start.
This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/ucla as UCLA Lands 2027 4-Star Offensive Lineman.
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This story was originally published May 2, 2026 at 11:00 AM.