Best UCLA football players of all time
Few college football programs can match the tradition and talent of the UCLA Bruins. From thrilling Rose Bowl victories to producing NFL superstars, UCLA has been home to some of the greatest players the sport has ever seen. This article king soccer tips will takes a closer look at the UCLA best football players ever, celebrating their achievements and the impact they left on the game.
UCLA football legacy
The UCLA Bruins football program has long been a powerhouse in college sports. Established in 1919, the Bruins quickly made a name for themselves with their competitiveness and ability to produce elite talent. Over the decades, UCLA has claimed national championships, produced a Heisman Trophy winner, and sent countless stars to the NFL. The Bruins’ legacy is marked by legends who dominated on both sides of the ball, making UCLA synonymous with football excellence.
Over the years, the Bruins have developed fierce rivalries, most notably with USC in the Crosstown Showdown, a game that has often decided conference titles and national rankings. Beyond the wins and trophies, UCLA’s legacy is defined by its tradition of producing smart, tough, and versatile athletes who carry the blue and gold spirit into every level of the game.
Top 10 best UCLA best football players ever
To determine the best UCLA football players of all time, several factors are considered: individual accolades, contributions to team success, records set at UCLA, and impact at the professional level. This ensures that both college achievements and long-term football influence are recognized.
10. Marcedes Lewis – Tight end
Marcedes Lewis combined size, strength, and athleticism to dominate at tight end. A consensus All-American in 2005 and the winner of the John Mackey Award, Lewis was one of the most reliable targets in UCLA’s passing game. He went on to have a remarkably long NFL career.
Lewis wasn’t just a receiver; he was a complete tight end who could block with the best of them while still being a nightmare in the passing game. His size and athleticism created mismatches that opposing defenses couldn’t solve. His longevity in the NFL is a testament to the foundation he built at UCLA.
9. J.J. Stokes – Wide receiver
One of the greatest receivers in UCLA history, J.J. Stokes was a consensus All-American in 1993. He set records for receptions and touchdowns while providing highlight-reel moments that made him a Bruins legend. His NFL career included a Super Bowl ring with the San Francisco 49ers.
Stokes combined size, speed, and soft hands to dominate opposing secondaries. Defenders often needed double coverage to slow him down, yet he still found ways to make big plays. His ability to shine in big games, including bowl appearances, made him a fan favorite and a UCLA legend.
8. Gaston Green – Running back
Before Jones-Drew, there was Gaston Green. He set the school’s all-time rushing record with 3,731 yards, a mark that stood for decades. Green was a First-Team All-American and one of the most consistent backs in UCLA history.
Green was the model of consistency. Every time he touched the ball, he delivered positive yards and wore down defenses. His vision and patience as a runner were ahead of his time, and his record-setting career established a standard for future UCLA running backs.
7. Eric Kendricks – Linebacker
Eric Kendricks was the heartbeat of the UCLA defense in the early 2010s. Known for his tackling ability and leadership, he won the Butkus Award in 2014 as the nation’s top linebacker. Kendricks went on to have an excellent NFL career, becoming a defensive cornerstone for the Minnesota Vikings.
Kendricks’ game was built on relentless pursuit and flawless technique. He was everywhere on the field, piling up tackles while also excelling in coverage. His Butkus Award win highlighted his all-around excellence, and he remains one of the most respected defensive leaders to ever wear the UCLA uniform.
6. Cade McNown – Quarterback
Cade McNown led UCLA to incredible success in the late 1990s, including a school-record 20-game winning streak. A consensus All-American in 1998, McNown left UCLA as one of the school’s most decorated quarterbacks, holding multiple passing records. His leadership and clutch performances secure his place among UCLA’s greatest.
McNown wasn’t the tallest or the strongest quarterback, but his leadership and competitive fire made him unforgettable. He thrived under pressure, orchestrating comebacks and putting UCLA in the national spotlight. His fiery personality and confidence inspired teammates to believe they could beat anyone.
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5. Maurice Jones-Drew – Running back
Explosive, powerful, and dynamic, Maurice Jones-Drew was a fan favorite at UCLA. He shattered records as both a running back and return specialist, including a legendary 322-yard rushing performance against Washington in 2004. In the NFL, he led the league in rushing in 2011 and became one of the most feared backs of his era.
Jones-Drew’s highlight reels still circulate among Bruins fans. His explosive first step and low center of gravity made him almost impossible to tackle. Beyond his stats, he brought excitement and swagger to UCLA, the kind of player who could change the momentum of a game in a single carry.
4. Jonathan Ogden – Offensive tackle
Jonathan Ogden is considered one of the greatest offensive linemen in football history. At UCLA, Ogden won the Outland Trophy and was a consensus All-American. Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, he became an 11-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion. His dominance on the line made him one of the most important figures in both UCLA and NFL history.
Ogden’s dominance started at UCLA, where he was virtually unstoppable in protecting the quarterback and opening lanes for running backs. His rare combination of size, agility, and intelligence made him a prototype for modern offensive linemen. It’s no exaggeration to say that every tackle who came after him owes something to Ogden’s legacy.
3. Gary Beban – Quarterback
Gary Beban made history for UCLA as the program’s only Heisman Trophy winner, taking home the prestigious award in 1967. Nicknamed the ‘Great One,’ Beban’s leadership and playmaking ability defined UCLA football in the 1960s. Though his NFL career was short, his college legacy remains unmatched.
Beban’s 1967 season is etched in college football history. Winning the Heisman meant more than just individual recognition – it put UCLA firmly on the national map. He played through injuries, carried his team in clutch moments, and embodied the grit and toughness that Bruins football represents.
2. Kenny Easley – Safety
Kenny Easley was a defensive force who redefined the safety position at UCLA. A three-time consensus All-American, Easley recorded 19 interceptions during his college career. He later became an NFL legend with the Seattle Seahawks, earning Defensive Player of the Year in 1984. Easley is enshrined in both the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Easley wasn’t just a great defensive back; he was an enforcer. Quarterbacks feared throwing in his direction, and receivers thought twice before crossing the middle of the field. His aggressive style and football IQ made him one of the most complete safeties of his generation. Even today, UCLA players cite him as a source of inspiration.
1. Troy Aikman – Quarterback
When talking about UCLA greats, Troy Aikman is often the first name mentioned. A transfer from Oklahoma, Aikman quickly cemented his status as one of the Bruins’ best quarterbacks. He was a consensus All-American in 1988 and led UCLA to back-to-back 10-win seasons. Drafted first overall by the Dallas Cowboys, Aikman went on to win three Super Bowls and earn a place in both the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame. Truly one of the best UCLA football players ever.
Aikman’s time at UCLA was short but unforgettable. His calm demeanor, pinpoint accuracy, and ability to read defenses made him stand out as a natural leader. Beyond statistics, he elevated everyone around him, setting the tone for UCLA’s rise in the late 1980s. His NFL career only cemented what Bruins fans already knew: they had witnessed greatness in the making.
Other legendary UCLA players worth mentioning
Beyond the top 10, many UCLA stars deserve recognition. Dan Fouts became an NFL Hall of Fame quarterback, Myles Jack wowed fans with his two-way versatility, Anthony Barr excelled as a linebacker before a strong NFL career, and Freddie Mitchell left his mark as a wide receiver. These players add even more depth to UCLA’s storied football tradition.
UCLA players in the NFL and beyond
UCLA’s influence extends far beyond college football. Many Bruins have gone on to enjoy Hall of Fame careers in the NFL, while others left significant impacts as coaches, broadcasters, and ambassadors of the sport. This pipeline of talent underscores UCLA’s importance in shaping American football.
Conclusion
From Heisman winners to Hall of Famers, the UCLA Bruins have produced some of the most iconic players in football history. Whether it’s Troy Aikman’s leadership, Kenny Easley’s defensive dominance, or Maurice Jones-Drew’s electric playmaking, the list of UCLA best football players ever is filled with legends. UCLA’s legacy is secure, and its influence on the game will continue for generations to come. Who is your favorite UCLA player?
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