EXCLUSIVE: Former Michigan State Commit  Talks UCLA Offer…read more…

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EXCLUSIVE: Former Michigan State Commit  Talks UCLA Offer…read more…

In an exclusive chat with UCLA Bruins on SI, four-star safety Khalil Terry—formerly committed to Michigan State—opened up about his recent UCLA offer, his decision-making process, and the relationships guiding his next move in college football.

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From Spartan Green to Bruin Blue

A standout athlete at Tustin (CA) High School and a long-time Michigan State commit since December, Terry dramatically decommitted earlier this month to reassess his options and explore the evolving recruiting landscape . “First and foremost, I’d like to thank the Michigan State football program for having faith in me early… With so many options… I want to make sure I’m making the right decision for the long term,” he shared in his release .

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The Crucial Offer: UCLA’s Late Push

UCLA recently extended an offer that caught Terry’s attention, coming via long-time Spartan staffer Coach Demetrice “Meat” Martin, now UCLA’s secondary coach. Their bond dates back to his Michigan State commitment—Martin was Terry’s primary recruiter at MSU .

After reconnecting, things accelerated: “Among my first conversations was with Coach Meat… I look forward to continuing to build with him and Coach Lynn (UCLA safeties coach) as well,” Terry told SI .

Terry emphasized the importance of coaching relationships in his journey: “Coach Meat was really one of the first to believe in me… Coach Lynn is my position coach, so it’s important for us to build a relationship” .

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Broadening Horizons, Deepening Roots

Since reopening his recruitment, UCLA isn’t the only school courting him. Terry is reportedly evaluating interest from elite programs including USC, UNC, Nebraska, Ohio State, Auburn, Washington and Miami—schools where he’s built connections with position coaches . “It’s been a bit more than I expected… More than anything, I’ve established relationships with my position coaches at the schools that are recruiting me,” he explained .

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Home-Grown Advantage in Westwood

Terry’s California roots add an appealing layer to UCLA’s pitch. Born and raised in Tustin, he noted, “Any time you have an opportunity to play at a school like UCLA, you have to get excited. With Coach Foster being a Tustin High School guy… I’ve been seeing him since I was a freshman… It’s just cool that Coach Foster has taken notice. That’s a big deal to me” .

The allure of UCLA—the Rose Bowl’s prestige, national exposure, strong academics, and comforting proximity to home—factors heavily into his thought process .

Already enchanted by the campus, Terry shared plans to solidify his visit: “I have been on campus a few times… I’ll be attending at least one game this year” .

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Next Up: Building Toward a Decision

Terry plans to narrow his list in the coming weeks, with a Top‑7 announcement on the horizon . He’s focused on the quality of coaching relationships, playing style, academic fit, and developing a long-term path to success.

A final UCLA offer—built on trust, connection, and proximity—could tip the scale. But national heavyweights remain in the running. With official visits underway and his next steps taking shape, Terry is playing the long game to ensure his future on and off the field aligns with his aspirations.

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Why This Matters for UCLA: Landing a four-star recruit like Terry would not only bolster UCLA’s secondary talent but would signal recruiting momentum under Coach DeShaun Foster, especially in high-stakes California territory. Whether he chooses Blue and Gold, Scarlet and Gray, or another powerhouse, tells us a lot about coaching influence and the current recruiting climate at top-tier programs.

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Let me know if you’d like to explore Terry’s film, compare recruiting pitches from Big Ten rivals, or follow up after his Top-7 reveal!