Laiatu Latu will opt out of UCLA's bowl game, per Chip Kelly

UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu will not play in the LA Bowl against Boise State. On Monday, UCLA head coach Chip Kelly provided further details on the situation.

“Latu will not play in the bowl game,” Kelly confirmed. “He’s been away. He’s got a lot on his plate. He’s got finals coming up. He was studying yesterday. I got to the Lott Awards right when they were about to start and he was trying to manage the final he had today, and he had two more coming up.

“Latu is the only guy we have in that situation. In terms of preparation for the NFL and really trying to finish up school for Latu — Latu is not going to play in the bowl game.”

Latu finished the 2023 regular season atop the nation in tackles for loss per game (1.8) while ranking fourth nationally in sacks per game (1.08) average. He had multiple tackles for loss in seven games during the season and at least 0.5 tackles for loss in each game in 2023.

Latu’s total of 21.5 tackles for loss are the most by any player in the nation this season and the highest mark by a Bruin since Anthony Barr finished the 2012 campaign with 21.5 TFLs. His total of 13.0 sacks rates tied for third in the country in the category and is tied for third on the all-time UCLA list. It is the most TFLs by a Bruin since Barr recorded 13.5 in 2012.

Latu’s total of 23.5 sacks over the last two seasons is the most by a UCLA player since Barr compiled the same total in 2012 and 2013. He has registered at least a half a sack in eight of the 12 games this season and, last season, he was credited with at least a half sack in eight of the 13 games in 2022.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper currently has Latu listed as the No. 10 prospect on his NFL Big Board.

“Latu is a polished pass-rusher who knows how to use his hands and has a knack for slipping by offensive tackles,” Kiper wrote. “What I like, too, is that he understands that a sack is great but a strip sack is even better; he had three of those in 2022 and one more this season.

“The Washington transfer consistently disrupts plays behind the line of scrimmage. Latu plays on his feet off the edge of UCLA’s defense, and he could be an ideal 3-4 outside linebacker at the next level.”

Boise State won’t feel Latu’s legendary pressure. On Dec. 16, UCLA will face off against the Broncos at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ABC.