Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning UCLA Bruins across Basketball, Football, Soccer.
UCLA’s newest defensive back, CJ Lavender, has quickly become a headline in the Bruins’ spring and fall training sessions, drawing praise for his unexpected readiness to compete at the collegiate level.
During UCLA’s fall camp scrimmage, head coach Bob Chesney highlighted quarterback Nico Iamaleava’s early performance, noting his command of the offense, ability to read defenses, and the untapped potential of his run game, all of which could reshape the Bruins’ attack for the upcoming season.
UCLA basketball fans have been eager to see how Serbian standout Nikola Kusturica will shape the Bruins' fortunes in his debut season. His arrival brings a level of talent that has not been seen in the program for years, but the transition from European play to the fast‑paced American college game is anything but straightforward.
The Athletic’s new eight‑tier ranking spotlights coaches who are redefining success, from Curt Cignetti’s sustained excellence to rising stars like Bret Bielema, while exposing the shifting expectations at programs once considered untouchable.
The upcoming season will hinge on high‑profile player movements that could redefine contenders across the Big Ten.
The latest Rothstein 45 college basketball rankings place UCLA at No. 19, driven by the addition of 17‑year‑old Serbian forward Nikola Kusturica, who is expected to anchor the team for two seasons before entering the NBA draft.
Michigan will host UCLA in a key Big Ten matchup, pitting the Wolverines' seasoned coaching against a Bruins team undergoing a major overhaul after a disappointing 2025 campaign.
Dylan Betts, a 7‑foot‑3 prospect ranked among the top 12 in the class of 2028, is weighing his options as UCLA looks to capitalize on a family connection that spans three generations of Bruins basketball.
Trent Perry is set to reclaim the starting point guard spot for UCLA, a role he last held in high school before stepping away from the position. With Donovan Dent’s eligibility complications and Jaylen Petty’s uncertain status, Perry’s physical development, experience and versatility position him to drive the Bruins' backcourt and potentially add small‑forward duties.
After 18 seasons in the league, Russell Westbrook steps away from basketball, closing a career defined by record‑breaking triple‑doubles, scoring titles and a gold medal, while looking ahead to new endeavors.
Kanye Clark’s journey from a scholarship‑earning walk‑on at UCLA to a versatile defensive back for the Florida Gators illustrates how determination and adaptability can reshape a college football career.
Texas Longhorns soccer welcomes new head coach Margueritte Bates, whose chess‑inspired tactics promise a fresh identity for the program.
UCLA’s men’s basketball team has endured a steep drop in recent seasons, posting fewer than 25 victories in each of the last three years and exiting the NCAA tournament before the second round each time. Once celebrated as a blue‑blood program, the Bruins now find themselves chasing a legacy that feels increasingly distant, as the expectations built on decades of championship pedigree clash with a string of under‑achieving campaigns. The roster turnover has been stark; players such as Tyger Campbell, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Donovan Dent moved on without leaving a marquee impact, while former star Aday Mara found a fresh start at Michigan, underscoring the difficulty of translating talent into sustained success. Head coach Mick Cronin, who arrived with a résumé that includes a Final Four appearance and a 68.1% win rate over seven seasons, now faces intense scrutiny. The recent dismissal of Hubert Davis at North Carolina has amplified the conversation, as both coaches shared comparable credentials yet met divergent fates. Fans and analysts alike are demanding accountability, arguing that the program’s decline cannot be attributed solely to player turnover. Instead, they point to recruiting strategies, tactical adjustments and the broader shift in college basketball dynamics that reward speed, spacing and three‑point proficiency. For UCLA to reclaim its former prominence, the administration will need to blend tradition with innovation, investing in player development and perhaps re‑evaluating its approach to the modern game. The coming seasons will test whether the Bruins can adapt quickly enough to avoid further erosion of their storied brand.
The November 18, 1967, clash between USC and UCLA combined historic rankings, groundbreaking television production, and a dramatic fourth‑quarter score by O.J. Simpson, leaving an indelible mark on American sports history.
UCLA’s basketball program is courting 5‑star combo guard Jalen Davis, a 2027 recruit whose official visit to Westwood is set for October 16, 2026, amid competition for minutes and a warm rating that signals a preference for staying close to home.
UCLA’s football program is entering a pivotal year, with new head coach Bob Chesney tasked with reversing a recent slump and restoring the Bruins to relevance in the Big Ten. The team’s success will hinge on a quintet of starters whose performances could define the season.
The Tigers have released a non‑conference schedule that pits them against 14 postseason teams, including five NCAA Tournament squads, with head coach Lauren Gosselin aiming to sharpen their résumé for March.
The Bruins' offseason brings major roster upgrades, from a star running back to a fortified offensive line, while the quarterback's development and team chemistry remain pivotal.
After a breakthrough at Tennessee, Nico Iamaleava joins UCLA with high hopes, but his readiness and decision‑making remain under scrutiny as the Bruins aim for a more stable campaign.
Arizona's upcoming nonconference slate features a clash with defending champion UCLA and a Hall of Fame Series game against Stanford, underscoring a bold new direction for the program.
USC and UCLA are locking down the best Southern California high school football players, reshaping recruiting with local ties, NIL incentives and coaching ambition.
A look at the top‑ranked teams, key players and schedule challenges shaping the upcoming college football landscape.
Fresno State’s ambitious schedule of home games against top‑tier programs is being reshaped by conference realignment, raising financial and logistical challenges for the Bulldogs and their opponents.
UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin’s animated reaction during a March 22, 2026, second‑round NCAA tournament game in Philadelphia highlights the growing buzz around a recent 4‑star recruit commitment.