UCLA adds NFL Academy LB Joel Queisser to 2026 class
As the race to the early signing period picks up, a UCLA staff still waiting on its next head coach continued to add to the 2026 recruiting class Saturday morning.
This time, the Bruins went into international waters.
NFL Academy linebacker Joel Queisser, who took an official visit to Westwood earlier this month, announced his decision to commit to UCLA.
Queisser was offered by the staff in October.
“I mean, everything was just a yes for me. From the facilities, to the staff, the city itself — was just great and I loved it over there,” Queisser told Bruin Blitz in a message after the announcement.
Background on Queisser
Born and raised in Germany, he is listed at 6-foot-2 and 228 pounds on the NFL Academy roster.
The Academy is based in London, England. In addition to games overseas, its schedule this season included trips to the U.S. to play schools such as IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) and Edgewater (Orlando, Fla.). Meanwhile, St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) traveled to the UK for a game against the Academy in October.
Queisser previously played for Düsseldorf Panther in his hometown.
Signing day approaching
Queisser’s commitment brings UCLA back up to 16 pledges as the Dec. 3 signing period nears.
Recent additions include flips from receivers Major Pride (San Diego State) and Markus Kier (Princeton). Meanwhile, the Bruins are also trying to hold onto commitments from the likes of safety Toray Davis and defensive lineman Carter Gooden, as well as bring interior offensive lineman Cooper Javorsky back into the fold.