UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Siale Taupaki will be returning for a seventh season after receiving a NCAA eligibility reprieve. This return is a major win for the Bruins, who lost star run stopper Jay Toia to the NFL Draft. Taupaki's experience and physical presence will be crucial for the Bruins' defense as they prepare for the challenges of the Big Ten conference.
After the departure of star run stopper Jay Toia to the NFL Draft, the UCLA Bruins received a significant boost on Wednesday. Interior defensive line man Siale Taupaki announced his decision to return for a seventh year of collegiate football. Taupaki, who initially appeared to be out of eligibility, was granted a reprieve by the NCAA, allowing him to extend his playing career.
Taupaki, a member of Chip Kelly's 2019 recruiting class, transitioned from an offensive lineman last season to the defensive side of the ball. Bruins fans are excited about the prospect of having a physically imposing force on the defensive line, capable of driving opposing linemen back into the backfield. This return is seen as a crucial step in addressing the void left by Toia.As an older player, Taupaki brings valuable experience and leadership to the UCLA defense. Defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe will benefit from having a veteran voice on the line and the opportunity to delve deeper into teaching Taupaki his defensive scheme. Taupaki won't be burdened with the simultaneous learning curve of both the playbook and his new position as he faced in 2024. The trend of sixth- and seventh-year seniors is becoming increasingly common in college football. Miami tight end Cam McCormick recently completed his ninth year of eligibility, demonstrating the evolving landscape of eligibility rules. Taupaki will be among the last players to utilize his 2020 COVID exemption. Following the pandemic and the shortened season, the NCAA ruled that the 2020 season would not count against any player's eligibility. Taupaki's career extended thanks to a redshirt year as a true freshman in 2019 and a medical redshirt. Essentially, the seasons of 2019, 2020, and 2021 did not count against his eligibility. Thus, his four-year clock didn't start until 2022. As an offensive lineman, Taupaki saw limited playing time in his early years, falling behind on the depth chart behind NFL-bound players such as Jon Gaines II, Atonio Mafi, and Sean Rhyan. Taupaki primarily contributed to the field goal protection team. In 2024, Taupaki recorded 14 solo tackles and one sack. Entering 2025, he has a firm grasp of the position, the scheme, and his responsibilities, appearing fully healthy and ready to make a significant impact. Expectations are high for Taupaki to emerge as a leader on defense. For Malloe, Taupaki provides another weapon to counter the formidable offensive lines in the Big Ten
UCLA Bruins Siale Taupaki NCAA Eligibility Jay Toia College Football Big Ten Defensive Line Returning Players
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