With the quarterback and running back positions poised for success, UCLA is in dire need of production from its receiving core. The Bruins are looking to put an end to a seven-year drought without a 1000-yard wideout. Enter sophomore wideout for UCLA, Kwazi Gilmer.
With no incoming talent on the outside and top target J. Michael Sturdivant gone, Gilmer enters as a potential breakout candidate. His emergence late last season sparked promise in Westwood. Being one of the few bright spots on UCLA’s offense in 2024, and with an improved group around him, the sky is the limit for the young Bruin.
Who is UCLA WR Kwazi Gilmer?
Coming out of Sierra Canyon High School, Gilmer was a heavily sought-after four-star prospect. His varsity tape was impressive enough to attract 17 Division-I offers.
In 37 games, Gilmer totaled 87 catches for 1630 receiving yards (1918 all-purpose yards) and 18 touchdowns. His dynamic skill set was on full display in his senior season — posting career-highs in receptions (35), yards (663), yards per game (55.3), and his longest touchdown (84 yards).
Have a fun homecoming game against Noter Dame 7-0 I told y’all. Looking forward to our next game against Bishop Amat. Here a few clips @NadeFootball @coachchucs @latsondheimer @GregBiggins @adamgorney @Zack_Poff_MP @MrJasonRobinson @EliteAthletes_ pic.twitter.com/m184KC8gK3
— Kwazi gilmer (@Masterkwazi) October 10, 2022
The decision to commit to UCLA and play for his hometown Bruins was an easy choice for Kwazi Gilmer.
“When I got the UCLA offer, I was as happy as I could possibly be,” Gilmer said after he landed on his decision (h/t Chad Simmons of On3). “I have been a Bruin since I was born. My mom is a UCLA [alumna], and while she was having me, she was at UCLA, and when she had me, she was at UCLA. I have been a Bruin my whole life.”
It has come full circle for the LA native, and now he has the opportunity to be a star of his city.
Gilmer’s freshman campaign was not exciting for stat-sheet watchers, but his film pictured a different story. In what is just the tip of the iceberg for the 6-foot-2 receiver, he finished his debut collegiate season with 31 catches for 345 yards and two touchdowns. Again, while his numbers won’t impress the casual spectator, his raw talent suggests that he can catapult to another level next season.
What are Kwazi Gilmer expectations in 2025?
With a full year under his belt and a path to becoming UCLA’s No. 1 option, Gilmer has all the tools to explode onto the scene. Moreover, pairing him with one of the best quarterbacks in the nation could create an electric QB-WR duo in the Big Ten conference.
The big-time arm of Nico Iamaleava combined with the highlight-reel ability of Gilmer is a formula created to cause chaos for opposing defensive coordinators. It also appears that the two have already been getting along well, building a solid connection.
Nico Iamaleava getting in work w/ WR Kwazi Gilmer 👀👀👀
can’t wait to watch this duo 🏈 pic.twitter.com/N2hlsGiaB5
— Barstool UCLA (@StoolWestwood) July 13, 2025
To reiterate, the Bruins are heading into the 2025 season without a clear-cut WR1. This makes Gilmer a prime emerging star for the Blue and Gold. His lanky frame, speed and pure fundamentals make him a QB-friendly receiver. Fortunately, UCLA’s system is tailored to Gilmer’s skill set. He’ll have an offense designed to create threats down the field and get players in open space — perfect.
If he remains healthy, a 1,000-yard season is not far-fetched. And if Iamaleava and Gilmer can perfect their timing, Gilmer can surely be UCLA’s top producer on the outside at all levels.
Strengths
Kwazi Gilmer is not a one-trick pony. He can dissect defenses in multiple facets. It’s not just his speed that makes it hard for defenders to stay in stride with him, it’s also his ability to shift gears at any instant. He has the acceleration to get to the top of his route and can stop on a dime to make the necessary cuts, leaving defenders in his dust.
However, as much as speed is crucial to being a top wide receiver, it’s just one piece to the puzzle. Gilmer possesses great route-running. Speed isn’t enough to have defenders guessing, it’s the skill to get clean breaks off the line and create separation using your footwork — all of which apply to the hometown wideout.
Garbers 👉 Gilmer for a 48-yard TD 👀@UCLAFootball snag a 20-point lead over Nebraska. #B1GFootball on BTN 📺 pic.twitter.com/J2ANJp2kCy
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) November 2, 2024
Which wide receiver does he best resemble?
Watching Gilmer’s tape, I immediately think of Ohio State’s Chris Olave. Olave might be faster than Gilmer, but both bring big-play threats to their offense. Their footwork and consistency, winning their routes at the line of scrimmage are in line and they move across the field in similar fashion. Sticking with the Ohio State theme, the UCLA prospect mirrors the physical nature and sure-handed abilities of Terry McLaurin.
Nonetheless, UCLA will look to bounce back from a 5-7 season, and having Gilmer fill the vacant No. 1 WR role is the first step to that goal.
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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.