UCLA Defense Leads Nation in Forced Turnovers
Coordinator Colin Hitschler criticized a defensive back's focus as UCLA prepares to face Minnesota on Saturday.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Football
UCLA started the season 8-0, its first 8-0 start since 2005, and defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler chastised defensive back Osirus Gilbert on Wednesday morning. The Bruins' defense leads the nation in forced turnovers and fumbles recovered.
Why it matters
Hitschler said players must be held to a standard because success tends to cause players to relax. UCLA looks to improve to 9-0 for the first time since 1998, which would make the defensive focus central to its push.
Minnesota has forced 14 turnovers this season, including six fumble recoveries, and defensive lineman TJ Bush Jr. leads the Golden Gophers with five sacks. UCLA's linebacker Maverick Baranowski has 62 tackles, two forced fumbles, and one interception.
The players
Colin Hitschler
UCLA defensive coordinator whose unit leads the nation in forced turnovers and fumbles recovered this season.
Osirus Gilbert
UCLA defensive back whom Hitschler chastised during a Wednesday morning meeting.
The details
Hitschler questioned players' focus during a Wednesday meeting, and UCLA's Kennedy is addressing third-down inconsistencies before flying to Minneapolis. Linebacker Sammy Omosigho was announced as a Lombardi Award semifinalist during the week.
Timeline
Wednesday: Hitschler chastises Gilbert and questions players' focus.
Saturday, 9 a.m.: UCLA faces Minnesota.
Season Trajectory
UCLA's 8-0 start is its first since 2005, and a win Saturday at Minnesota would match a 9-0 record not reached since 1998. The defense's national lead in forced turnovers and fumbles recovered is driving that run.
A Saturday win at Minnesota would move UCLA to 9-0, a mark not reached since 1998, and the defense's turnover lead is a key factor for fantasy and season-long roster decisions. Third-down efficiency, which Hitschler's unit ranks second in, will be central to the outcome.
The takeaway
Sustained focus after early success is the central challenge for UCLA's defense as it chases a 9-0 start. Attention to detail on third downs and in meeting-room standards may decide whether that run continues.
What happens next
UCLA faces Minnesota on Saturday at 9 a.m., with a chance to improve to 9-0 for the first time since 1998.
Further reading
For more on the Bruins, see Los Angeles Football coverage of UCLA's season.
