The UCLA Bruins have built one of the most respected traditions in college athletics. Known for excellence in UCLA Bruins football and unmatched achievements in UCLA Bruins men’s basketball, the program has inspired generations of fans. From legendary players to historic championship runs, the Bruins continue to shape the NCAA’s competitive landscape.
College Sports Established
1924
Location
Los Angeles, California
College Name
University of California, Los Angeles
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1924 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
2024 - Present / Big 10 Conference
2010 - 2024 / PAC 12 Conference
1978 – 2010 / Pacific 10
1964 – 1978 / Pacific 8
1959 – 1964 / Athletic Association of Western Universities
1924 – 1959 / Pacific Coast Conference
Nickname
Bruins - The UCLA Bruins have been a college sports powerhouse for decades, and their iconic nickname has become synonymous with excellence. But where did the name come from? Let's take a look at the origins of this beloved moniker!
UCLA Bruins Origin
UCLA's official mascot is Joe Bruin, an anthropomorphic bear who first appeared in 1924 when students chose him as part of a contest to pick the school’s mascot. The selection of Joe Bruin was made by popular vote, and it wasn't until much later that his name became associated with UCLA athletics teams.
In 1926, newspaper columnist Bill Henry wrote about “the big bruins from Westwood," referring to the university’s football team—and thus began what would eventually become one of college sports' most recognizable nicknames! As time went on, other writers continued to refer to UCLA athletes as "bruins" or "blue-gold bruins," which further cemented its place in collegiate culture.
Today, fans across Los Angeles proudly cheer on their beloved Bruins during NCAA tournaments and games—a testament to their athletic prowess and how deeply ingrained they are into our city's culture! With such strong roots in our history (and hearts!), we can be sure that this nickname will remain forever linked with UCLA Athletics for years ahead.
NCAA Championships
Baseball 1
2013
Men's Basketball 11
1995, 1975, 1973, 1972, 1971, 1970, 1969, 1968, 1967, 1965, 1964
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 4
2002, 1997, 1990, 1985
- 1948
- 1965
- 1973
- 1970
- 1975
- 1984
- 2013
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Head Coach John Wooden – Wizard of Westwood
John Wooden was the head coach of the UCLA Bruins men’s basketball team from 1948 to 1975. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches of all time, having led the Bruins to 10 NCAA championships, including a record seven in a row from 1967 to 1973. He also won 19 conference titles and had an overall record ... -
First NCCA Basketball Championship
The 1965 NCAA University Division Basketball Tournament involved 23 schools playing in single-elimination play to determine the national champion of men’s NCAA Division I college basketball. It began on March 8, 1965, and ended with the championship game on March 20 in Portland, Oregon. A total of 27 games were played, including a third-place game in each region and a ... -
1973 NCAA Basketball Champs
The 1973 NCAA University Division Basketball Tournament involved 25 schools playing in single-elimination play to determine the national champion of men’s NCAA University Division (now Division I, created later in 1973) college basketball. It began on Saturday, March 10, and ended with the championship game on Monday, March 26, in St. Louis, Missouri. A total of 29 games were played, ... -
UCLA wins its sixth Basketball NCAA championship
In 1970 UCLA wins its sixth NCAA championship, going 28–2 and defeating Jacksonville in the final. The team is led by Sidney Wicks, who becomes the national player of the year and a four-time NBA All-Star. The team also features Curtis Rowe, John Vallely, Henry Bibby, and Steve Patterson, who all become NBA players. -
UCLA wins its 11th and last NCAA championship under John Wooden
In 1975 UCLA wins its 11th and last NCAA championship under John Wooden, going 28–3 and defeating Kentucky in the final. The team is led by Dave Meyers and Richard Washington, who are both named All-Americans and first-round NBA draft picks. The team also features Marques Johnson, Andre McCarter, Pete Trgovich, Ralph Drollinger, and Gavin Smith, who all become NBA ... -
Bill Walton – inducted in UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame
Bill Walton was a star center for the UCLA Bruins men’s basketball team from 1972 to 1974. He played under coach John Wooden and was part of two NCAA championship teams, in 1972 and 1973. He also led the Bruins to an 88-game winning streak, which ended in 1974 with a loss to Notre Dame. Walton was a dominant player ... -
2013 UCLA Bruins Champs
The 2013 NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament began on Friday, May 31, 2013, as part of the 2013 NCAA Division I baseball season. The 64 teams double-elimination tournament concluded with the 2013 College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, which began on June 15 and ended with the final round on June 25. The UCLA Bruins swept the Mississippi State Bulldogs ...
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* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
UCLA Bruins History
The UCLA Bruins are among the most successful and iconic programs in NCAA history, consistently thrilling fans in matchups against rivals like the Southern California Trojans. From their 11 national championships in UCLA Bruins men’s basketball to a proud tradition in UCLA Bruins football, the blue and gold legacy has stood the test of time for generations of college sports fans.
The first major breakthrough came in UCLA Bruins men’s basketball, where legendary coach John Wooden led the team to three consecutive national titles from 1964–1966. Under Wooden, the Bruins became a dynasty, eventually winning an unprecedented 10 national championships in 12 seasons from 1964 to 1975. This era featured basketball icons such as Lew Alcindor (later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), Bill Walton, and Walt Hazzard, cementing UCLA as the most decorated basketball program in NCAA history.
In UCLA Bruins football, success also runs deep. The Bruins achieved one of their greatest eras under head coach Terry Donahue (1976–1995), winning eight conference titles and four Rose Bowl games, including multiple victories over the USC Trojans. During this time, future NFL Hall of Famer Troy Aikman starred at quarterback before being selected first overall by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1989 NFL Draft. The Bruins have also produced other notable football greats such as Kenny Easley and Jonathan Ogden.
Bruins Achievements
Beyond basketball and football, the UCLA Bruins have excelled in nearly every NCAA sport, producing legendary figures like Jackie Robinson in baseball, Rafer Johnson in track and field, and countless Olympians. UCLA athletes have collectively won more Olympic medals than those from any other university, underscoring its unmatched athletic tradition.
Today, the UCLA Bruins men’s basketball program remains a powerhouse, making regular NCAA Tournament runs and developing NBA-level talent. Meanwhile, UCLA Bruins football continues to compete fiercely in the Big Ten Conference under head coach Chip Kelly, building on a rich tradition of victories, rivalries, and bowl appearances. With an extraordinary history across multiple sports and a passionate fan base, the UCLA Bruins represent excellence, tradition, and championship success unlike any other program in college athletics.
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