One of the most underrated additions to the UCLA football team’s front seven was linebacker Isaiah Chisom. The former Oregon State Beaver returns home where it all started, and will look to become an instant-impact player.
After a 2024 season where the Bruins’ linebacker core was led by now three NFL draftees — Carson Schwesinger, Kain Medrano, and Oluwafemi Oladejo — the Blue and Gold’s center field turned thin.
Chisom will have to compete for an unclaimed role, but if he continues to check all the boxes, Westwood could have another All-Big 10 backer in their hands.
UCLA Football: Who is Isaiah Chisom?
The Bruins’ latest linebacker grew up not too far from the Rose Bowl — just up the 210 freeway in Santa Clarita. Despite being an in-state talent, UCLA wasn’t one of the nine programs that recruited Isaiah Chisom out of Chaminade High School.
The three-star prospect played two years in varsity, racking 277 total tackles (181 solo and 96 assisted), 13 tackles for loss, 12 passes defended, five sacks and two interceptions in 23 games at Chaminade.
Isaiah Chisom 23-yard interception return for TD. That’s Chaminade third of game and second pick six. Chaminade 36, Bishop Amat 22. 10:46 left. pic.twitter.com/iQHD28K0QL
— eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) October 15, 2022
As part of the 2023 class, Chisom accepted Oregon State’s offer to play collegiate football. After redshirting in 2023, the West Coast product became a full-time starter in 2024. In the 12 games, Chisom appeared in for the Beavers last season, he totaled 75 tackles, five tackles for loss, one pass breakup and one forced fumble. Moreover, his efforts rewarded him with The Athletic’s Freshman All-American honors.
Though the numbers don’t jump off the screen, the 6-foot-1 linebacker has yet to reach his full potential. He has the size, speed, sure-tackling ability, as well as the physicality to command a defense that needs a leader.
BIG TIME PLAY IN THE BACKFIELD@IsaiahChisom4 | 📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/bLfLAebOqC
— Oregon State Football (@BeaverFootball) December 29, 2023
Why UCLA?
The decision to come to UCLA couldn’t have been easier for Isaiah Chisom. Being a kid from California who has ties to the storied program made the choice that much sweeter.
“Who doesn’t want to come to UCLA?” Chisom told reporters after a spring practice. “It’s historic … It was always a school that I wanted to be able to come back to. I was just blessed with the opportunity just to be able to come back home and play in front of California again. And have all my family be able to come to the games — that really influenced my decision to come back home.”
Additionally, Chisom’s high school linebacker coach Reggie Carter — someone who still mentors and trains Isaiah — was a former Bruin himself.
What contributions will Isaiah Chisom provide to UCLA in 2025?
The young backer will likely be a day-1 starter, anchoring the middle of the Bruins’ defense. With a fresh, new culture brewing in Westwood, Chisom will likely be a focal point in that shift, as both a vocal and physical leader.
His stats at Oregon State were not nation-leading, but he passes the eye test with flying colors. His natural instincts to press the gap and make sideline-to-sideline plays are essential to being an every-down linebacker. Add his zone coverage excellence to the mix, and you have a player who is structured to lead a hungry defense.
🦫 @IsaiahChisom4 with the tackle for a loss and then the stare down 😤 #GoBeavs pic.twitter.com/yfXzPJ4nPF
— Keith – OSU (@GoBeavs2k) September 22, 2024
Though not known for his turnover ability, Chisom can create chaos with his hammering hits and quick twitch reactions. Causing a few swaps in possessions should also be an attainable goal for the transfer defender.
If Chisom remains healthy, he is a top candidate to lead UCLA in tackles. I also wouldn’t rule out a top-10 finish in the country either. Again, he’s stepping into a role that is his to lose.
He has come to a city that has mutual love for him. Chisom is in a system in which he can be a loose cannon. He has earned the trust of his coaches. He has all the physical tools to be elite. Chisom can emerge as a household name on Saturdays.
Who is Isaiah Chisom’s Player Comparison?
The Seahawks fan inside me immediately thought of former Texas Tech LB Jordyn Brooks. Both players love playing downhill and are extremely impactful in the run game. They make plays in the backfield consistently, while also having quick accelerations off the snap.
Furthermore, Chisom’s game also draws parallels with Demario Davis. The two are essentially ball magnets and set the tone with their play. They find tight angles and are sure-handed tacklers.
Despite Chisom not (yet) being the caliber player that either were, flashes do appear with both comparisons. He does need time to fully come into his own. However, if his development progresses, he will soon add to the Bruins draft pipeline.
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Eric Hayrapetian
Eric is a lifelong Angeleno and a sports journalist who graduated from the University of California, Berkeley. He joined The League Winners in January of 2025, and is the lead beat writer for the UCLA Bruins. Follow Eric on X (formerly known as Twitter) @EricHayrapetian.