The UCLA Bruins have long been a cornerstone of college football, producing players who not only dominated at the collegiate level but also left their mark on the NFL. With a tradition built on excellence, the program has given fans unforgettable moments and athletes who became legends. This article best soccertips will revisits the UCLA best football players ever, blending history with legacy to show why UCLA remains a breeding ground for greatness.
The legacy of UCLA football
Since its inception in 1919, UCLA football has embodied resilience and excellence. The program’s blue and gold have clashed in iconic rivalries, most famously against USC in the annual Crosstown Showdown, where legends are often born. Beyond the rivalries, UCLA has claimed national titles, produced a Heisman winner, and sent dozens of stars to the NFL. The Bruins’ influence stretches far beyond campus, shaping the way football is played and celebrated across America.
How we ranked UCLA’s best players
The criteria for identifying UCLA best football players ever include their on-field dominance, contributions to the team’s success, individual awards, and long-term influence on the sport. While some stars shone brightest in college, others cemented their greatness with remarkable professional careers.
Top 10 UCLA best football players ever
Here’s a look at the top 10 best UCLA football players who defined eras and left a lasting impact on the Bruins’ legacy.
10. Marcedes Lewis – Tight end
Standing tall at 6’6”, Marcedes Lewis was a matchup nightmare for defenders. His blocking ability and soft hands made him a complete tight end, earning him the John Mackey Award in 2005. His long career in the NFL is a testament to his durability and skill, but it all began in Westwood with the Bruins.
Lewis blended old-school toughness with modern athleticism at tight end. He was just as valuable sealing the edge for running plays as he was catching passes downfield. His Mackey Award win cemented him as one of the most complete tight ends in college football.
9. J.J. Stokes – Wide receiver
J.J. Stokes was nearly unstoppable during his time at UCLA. A consensus All-American in 1993, he set multiple records for receptions and touchdowns, becoming the go-to weapon in the Bruins’ offense. His NFL career brought him a Super Bowl ring, but his dominance at UCLA remains his defining legacy.
Stokes gave UCLA an aerial weapon that few defenses could contain. His size and athleticism allowed him to dominate one-on-one matchups, while his reliable hands made him the go-to receiver in critical moments. His 1993 season remains one of the finest by a Bruin wideout.
8. Gaston Green – Running back
Before Maurice Jones-Drew, there was Gaston Green. As UCLA’s all-time leading rusher at the time, Green carried the offense with his balance, vision, and reliability. His performance in the 1980s set a high bar for future running backs, cementing his place in Bruins lore.
Green carried the UCLA offense throughout the 1980s with his consistency and durability. He could grind out tough yards or break free for long runs, making him the ultimate all-purpose back. His record-setting career gave him a permanent spot in Bruins history.
7. Eric Kendricks – Linebacker
Eric Kendricks was the embodiment of consistency. Known for his tireless motor, he recorded more tackles than anyone in UCLA history. In 2014, he won the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker, solidifying his place among the elite. His NFL career has been equally impressive, proving his skill set translated perfectly to the next level.
Kendricks was a tackling machine, but his game went beyond the numbers. He was relentless in pursuit and equally effective in coverage, a rare combination for a linebacker. His Butkus Award victory highlighted how he defined UCLA’s defense during his era.
6. Cade McNown – Quarterback
In the late 1990s, Cade McNown guided UCLA to a level of prominence it hadn’t experienced in years. With pinpoint accuracy and fearless decision-making, he led the Bruins on a remarkable 20-game winning streak. His All-American status in 1998 underscored his role as one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in school history.
McNown thrived under pressure, leading UCLA to signature wins against top-ranked opponents. His confidence and fiery personality made him a leader teammates rallied around. He left school holding passing records that stood for years, firmly placing him among the Bruins’ greatest signal-callers.
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5. Maurice Jones-Drew – Running Back
Few players have electrified the Rose Bowl crowd like Maurice Jones-Drew. His ability to break tackles and turn any carry into a highlight made him one of the most dangerous players in college football. His success carried over to the NFL, where he became the league’s rushing champion in 2011. Jones-Drew’s mix of speed, power, and charisma still makes him a fan favorite.
Jones-Drew brought pure excitement every time he touched the ball. His ability to turn broken plays into touchdowns made him a fan favorite. At UCLA, he broke school records with explosive performances, proving that even a player of smaller stature could dominate through heart and skill.
4. Jonathan Ogden – Offensive Tackle
Jonathan Ogden revolutionized what it meant to be an offensive lineman. With unmatched size and mobility, he dominated opponents in the trenches. At UCLA, he won the Outland Trophy before embarking on a Hall of Fame career with the Baltimore Ravens. Ogden’s success inspired a generation of offensive linemen to emulate his style and work ethic.
Ogden’s dominance at left tackle was so overwhelming that defenses had to adjust their entire game plan. His footwork, technique, and size gave UCLA quarterbacks security and running backs massive lanes. He became the gold standard for offensive linemen in both college and the NFL.
3. Gary Beban – Quarterback
The 1967 season belongs to Gary Beban, the only Bruin ever to capture the Heisman Trophy. Nicknamed ‘The Great One,’ Beban was celebrated for his grit, leadership, and ability to deliver in high-stakes games. Though his professional career was brief, his legacy as a college football icon is secure.
Beban embodied UCLA’s fighting spirit during the 1960s. He played through pain and delivered clutch performances, most famously against USC in one of college football’s great rivalries. His Heisman win wasn’t just personal glory and join to ucla football best players, it was a milestone moment for the entire program.
2. Kenny Easley – Safety
Kenny Easley’s presence in the secondary made opponents think twice before attempting a pass. At UCLA, he was a three-time consensus All-American, setting the standard for defensive backs. His ferocity carried over to the NFL, where he earned Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1984. Easley remains a symbol of defensive excellence in Bruins history.
Easley wasn’t just a defender, he was a game-changer. His instincts and hard-hitting style made quarterbacks hesitant to throw anywhere near him. At UCLA, he set the tone for defensive excellence, becoming the prototype for safeties who combined physicality with intelligence.
1. Troy Aikman – Quarterback
When Troy Aikman transferred to UCLA, few could have predicted just how transformative he would be. Leading the Bruins to consecutive 10-win seasons, Aikman displayed poise, accuracy, and leadership beyond his years. His NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys, highlighted by three Super Bowl rings, confirmed his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks in football history.
Aikman’s transfer from Oklahoma to UCLA changed the program’s trajectory. His arm strength and decision-making made the Bruins’ offense one of the most feared in the country during the late 1980s. Beyond the wins, he elevated UCLA’s national profile, setting the stage for his Hall of Fame career with the Cowboys.
Other names that left their mark
UCLA’s history is rich with players who may not have cracked the top 10 best ucla football players of all time but still shaped the program. Dan Fouts became an NFL Hall of Fame quarterback, Anthony Barr terrorized offenses as a linebacker, and Myles Jack wowed fans with his ability to play both sides of the ball. Each added their own chapter to the Bruins’ story.
Beyond College: Bruins in the NFL
The impact of UCLA football reaches deep into the NFL. From Pro Bowlers to Hall of Famers, Bruins alumni have consistently made their presence felt at the highest level. Their contributions not only brought pride to UCLA but also reinforced the program’s reputation as a factory of elite football talent.
Conclusion
The story of UCLA football cannot be told without celebrating its greatest players. From Troy Aikman’s championship pedigree to Gary Beban’s Heisman glory, the Bruins have given college football some of its most memorable figures. These athletes didn’t just play the game, they elevated it. And for UCLA fans, their legacies are reminders of why the Bruins remain one of the most respected programs in the nation.
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