UCLA’s defensive players have adopted the moniker “Bruin Bullies,” a name inspired by their defensive coordinator’s fondness for the hard-hitting 1970s Philadelphia Flyers. Among them, defensive lineman Sahir West is emerging as a formidable presence.
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 279 pounds, West has demonstrated an ability to penetrate the backfield quickly, a trait that has not gone unnoticed by his teammates, including UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava. "Man, I’m glad he’s on my team," Iamaleava said. "We talk a lot of smack, me and Sahir go at it, so I can’t wait until he gets to take that out on an opponent."
West’s potential impact is particularly significant given the Bruins’ struggles with pass rushing in the previous season. UCLA recorded only 10 sacks in 2025, ranking last among all 134 Football Bowl Subdivision teams. This deficiency hindered the overall performance of the defense.
"It was difficult for us to cover for long periods of time," said defensive back Cole Martin, referring to the secondary’s challenges last season. "But when you look at the film over there at James Madison and seeing what he was able to do, it really is eye-opening and then him coming over here and being able to do the same things is something that gives us extreme confidence in him and everybody else on that D-line to go to go hunt the quarterback while we go and shut receivers down."
Last season at James Madison, West recorded seven sacks, earning him Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year honors. He followed coach Bob Chesney to Westwood for the upcoming season, where he is expected to bolster the Bruins’ pass rush.
"I’m not gonna sit here and tell you I’m gonna get 100 sacks," West stated, "but I’m gonna just go out there and dominate." He identified his motor and power as key strengths he intends to leverage for consistent pass-rushing performance. West also highlighted his mental preparation, stating, "I feel like that’s one of my most positive traits – I can imagine it before it can happen, I can see it."
He will be joined by fellow edge rushers Scott Taylor, Aiden Gobaira, Cole Cogshell, Ryan McCulloch, Dallin Havea, and Nico Davillier, who are expected to provide pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Taylor described West as a player who can "beat you around the edge, and then also has the power to knock you over," creating multiple challenges for offensive linemen.
Adding to the defensive front is linebacker Trent Hendrick, West's former James Madison teammate and the reigning Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year. Hendrick was granted a fifth season of eligibility and joined the team recently.
West defines being a "bully" on the field as playing with more intensity and speed than the opposition. "Just dominate – that’s what I feel like a bully is," he said. The team's consistent huddle shout, "Bruin Bullies!", serves as a constant reminder of their on-field identity and aspirations.