As a true freshman at UCLA in 2018, Gaines appeared in one match, the season finale against Stanford.[2] He began seeing regular action as a redshirt freshman in 2019, appearing in every game with a single start.[6][7] He helped block for 1,000-yard rusher Joshua Kelley that season and contributed to the team's streak of five consecutive 200-yard rushing games, the first time they had accomplished this in over 40 years.[2] During the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, Gaines started four out of seven games.[7]
Gaines became a full-time starter in 2021, and started games at each of the three line positions (tackle, guard, center).[2][6] He played a major role in Zach Charbonnet's 1000-yard season that year, as well as the school's leading of the Pac-12 Conference in rushing yards-per-game.[6] As a senior in 2022, he was key in Charbonnet's second 1000-yard season and helped UCLA lead the conference in yards-per-carry.[6] A starter in every game, Gaines also appeared on all 932 snaps at right guard, and was a member of a line that was a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award.[8] He was an honorable mention all-conference choice and announced after the year that he was foregoing his final year of eligibility to enter the NFL draft and play in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.[9] He finished his stint at UCLA having appeared on 2,382 snaps, and only allowed five total sacks and 52 pressures.[8]
Professional career
Gaines was invited to the NFL Scouting Combine and posted the best short shuttle among its participants.[8] He was projected as being selected between the third and fifth rounds of the 2023 NFL draft.[3][5][10][11]
