6'4", 335-lb UCLA DL with Seventh-Year Eligibility, 38 Career Tackles & Penn State Transfer
Siale Taupaki is a 6'4", 335-pound defensive tackle for UCLA who earned a rare seventh and final year of eligibility after six seasons, showcasing elite durability and intensity. In the 2024 season, he totaled 38 tackles (22 solo), 3.0 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks across 33 defensive line games, while also playing 7 games on the offensive line, proving his rare versatility. His differentiator is his relentless snap-to-snap aggression and ability to anchor against double teams, highlighted by a fumble recovery and sack in his 2025 start against Indiana. Though he transferred to Penn State for 2026, his 272 defensive snaps in 2024 and 15 tackles in 2025 reveal a high-intensity, battle-tested leader. He’s a perfect fit for teams needing a physical, experienced anchor who brings veteran maturity, no injury history, and a 'seventh-year' fire that statistics alone can’t capture.
