UCLA kicker Mateen Bhaghani has played a pivotal role in the Bruins' historic 7-0 start to the college football season. Known for his consistency, Bhaghani has converted every one of the 102 extra points he has attempted in his collegiate career. His reliability and composure have been instrumental in several key moments, including a notable 54-yard field goal last season during UCLA’s upset of Penn State.

Despite a recent missed 58-yard attempt in UCLA’s 28-10 victory over Michigan State, Bhaghani remains focused on the process and maintains confidence in his abilities. “Every time I go out there, I have full faith and belief that I’m gonna make the kick,” he said, emphasizing his mental preparation and resilience in the face of missed opportunities.

This season marks a turning point for the Bruins, who have experienced significant transformation under coach Bob Chesney. Bhaghani acknowledged the special nature of the team’s 7-0 record, noting it was a new experience for both him and his teammates. “It’s definitely an amazing feeling; it’s all the work we put in collectively as a group, from coaches to staff to players,” he said.

The success has not gone unnoticed in Bhaghani’s hometown of San Diego, where family members have been closely following the Bruins’ progress. Bhaghani expressed gratitude for their support, noting that the achievements this season are especially meaningful given UCLA’s relatively recent struggles.

Bhaghani credits attention to detail and mental preparation for his performance. He attributes much of the team’s cohesion and drive to Coach Chesney’s leadership and motivational pregame speeches, which have resonated throughout the locker room. “His passion is contagious and it runs through the whole building,” Bhaghani said. Referring to a particularly memorable pep talk before the Bruins’ game at Oregon, he noted the collective confidence the coach instilled in the team.

The Bruins’ strong defense this season has also bolstered the team’s success, with Bhaghani praising their ability to generate turnovers and defensive scores. This has resulted in fewer field goal opportunities for the kicker compared to last year, requiring him to practice patience and readiness.

When asked about facing high-pressure situations, such as a potential game-winning 50-yard field goal, Bhaghani emphasized the importance of sticking to his practiced routine. “I want to chill and go through my process I’ve done a thousand times,” he said.

Reflecting on the season so far, Bhaghani highlighted the camaraderie of the team and the joy of competing alongside teammates who are united and motivated. “We’re 7-0, and everybody is excited to be here,” he said, underscoring the optimism and focus driving the Bruins as the season continues.