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UCLA Football: Top 3 breakout candidates for the 2022 season

By Connor Muldowney

Sep 4, 2021; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Kazmeir Allen (19) runs the ball against the Louisiana State Tigers during the first half the at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2021; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Kazmeir Allen (19) runs the ball against the Louisiana State Tigers during the first half the at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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UCLA football is heading into the 2022 season with the hopes of winning the Pac-12. These three breakout candidates can help with that.

Chip Kelly was on the hot seat before the 2020 season but UCLA football was one of the surprise teams in the Pac-12 that season despite not posting a great record — the Bruins could have realistically won every game in 2020.

And then in 2021, the Bruins went 8-4 but a COVID-19 outbreak cut the season a bit short as the bowl game was canceled and a ninth win was out of reach.

Now, Kelly is one of the hottest coaches in the country and he was even rumored to be a target for Oregon’s vacant coaching position right after the Bruins’ season. He stayed with UCLA and now he’s aiming to contend in the Pac-12.

These three breakout candidates can help that happen.

Jay Toia was a heavily sought-after recruit from the 2021 class and he actually committed to rival USC and enrolled early in January of 2021. The former four-star and top-200 recruit transferred to UCLA just six months later as the coaching uncertainty at USC may have been a turnoff.

As a freshman, he played in just three games and had eight tackles and a pass breakup. He’s going to be a starter for the Bruins this season up front and he’s going to become a star.

The big-bodied defensive lineman has the tools to become a true monster on that defensive line and he’s going to be a problem for opposing offensive linemen in the Pac-12.

His numbers weren’t all that impressive in 2021, but 2022 is going to see him break through.

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