UCLA Special Teams Depth Chart: New Faces and Rising Stars for 2025
UCLA Football reveals transformed special teams roster for 2025 season, featuring record-setting kicker Mateen Bhaghani and strategic transfer portal acquisitions strengthening the unit's depth and capabilities.
UCLA Bruins place kicker Mateen Bhaghani successfully executes a field goal attempt during the third quarter against Hawaii
UCLA Football Updates Special Teams Roster with Strategic Transfers
As UCLA's fall football camp kicks off in Costa Mesa this week, the program enters the second season under head coach DeShaun Foster with significant updates to its special teams roster. In a move that mirrors the institutional transformation and accountability seen across major programs, UCLA has strategically enhanced its special teams through key transfer portal acquisitions.
Kicking Game Strength: Bhaghani's Record-Setting Performance
Mateen Bhaghani, coming off a stellar sophomore season, remains the cornerstone of UCLA's kicking game. His impressive statistics include:
- 20-for-24 (83.3%) on field goal attempts
- Perfect 20-for-20 on PAT attempts
- 57-yard field goal against Iowa (second-longest in program history)
- Led Big Ten Conference in field goals made
Strategic Transfer Portal Acquisitions
Following the trend of strategic talent acquisition and market dynamics, UCLA has brought in key transfers to strengthen their special teams unit:
Will Karoll - Punter
The Australian transfer from Tulane brings impressive credentials:
- 42.8 yards per punt average in 2024
- 11 punts inside the 20-yard line
- Career-long punt of 78 yards
Cash Peterman - Kicker/Punter
The Arizona transfer brings both athletic ability and digital influence, demonstrating how modern athletes can leverage media presence and authentic engagement with over 441,000 Instagram followers.
Long Snapper Depth Chart
The Bruins have solidified their long snapper position with experienced returner Abdul-Wahab and added depth through strategic recruitment, including the nation's top-ranked long snapper prospect for 2025, Muagututia.
Looking Ahead
With these roster updates, UCLA's special teams unit appears poised for success in their upcoming season, combining experienced veterans with promising newcomers in a strategic blend of talent and experience.
Jasmine Demraoui
Journalist in governance and climate reform, based in Windhoek.