UCLA football really is quite the unknown.
Such is the state of flux in Westwood that a defense that loses its best pass rusher (Takkarist McKinley), its best interior lineman (Eddie Vanderdoes), its do-it-all linebacker (Jayon Brown), a three-year starting safety (Randall Goforth) and best cornerback (Fabian Moreau) is still considered to be far more settled than the offense.
It helps to have the same coordinator for three years (take note, offense), and in the previous two seasons, Tom Bradley’s defense has steadily improved.
It’s easy to forget, but UCLA’s defense was borderline great last season, finishing 26th in S&P+ and 25 spots better from their 2015 finish at 51st.