Duece Jones-Drew, Son of NFL Legend Maurice Jones-Drew, Commits to UCLA

Rising senior Duece Jones-Drew, the son of NFL star Maurice Jones-Drew, has announced his commitment to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) on Sunday. The three-star running back will be part of the 2027 class for the Bruins, following in his father’s footsteps who was a unanimous All-American at UCLA in the early 2000s.

Duece Jones-Drew, a product of De La Salle High School in Concord, California, was heavily pursued by several top colleges, including Arizona, Cal, SMU, and Utah, before choosing UCLA. Despite the coaching staff turnover at UCLA, Jones-Drew remained committed to the Bruins, thanks in part to the retention of running backs coach A.J. Steward, who worked under previous head coach DeShaun Foster.

The new head coach of the Bruins, Bob Chesney, took over the team after a successful stint as head coach of James Madison, where he led the team to a playoff appearance in 2025. Chesney’s ability to retain key coaching staff, including Steward, played a significant role in Jones-Drew’s decision to commit to UCLA.

Maurice Jones-Drew, Duece’s father, had a illustrious career in the NFL, playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Oakland Raiders. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and was named first-team All-Pro in 2011, the same year he led the league in rushing with 1,606 yards. Jones-Drew’s legacy at UCLA and in the NFL is expected to inspire his son as he begins his college football career.

With Duece Jones-Drew’s commitment, UCLA’s 2027 recruiting class is shaping up to be an exciting one. The Bruins’ coaching staff will be looking to build on their recent success, and Jones-Drew’s addition is expected to be a significant boost to the team’s offense. As the son of an NFL legend, Duece Jones-Drew will have big shoes to fill, but with his talent and dedication, he is sure to make a name for himself in the world of college football.

Key Facts:

• Duece Jones-Drew is a three-star running back from De La Salle High School in Concord, California.
• He committed to UCLA on Sunday, following in his father’s footsteps.
• Jones-Drew was heavily pursued by several top colleges, including Arizona, Cal, SMU, and Utah.
• UCLA’s coaching staff turnover did not dissuade Jones-Drew, thanks to the retention of running backs coach A.J. Steward.
• New head coach Bob Chesney took over the Bruins after a successful stint at James Madison.

This article was originally published on May 3, 2026, at 7:22 PM. Copyright 2026 Field Level Media. All Rights Reserved.