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'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 ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Bruins
UCLA's first significant success came in basketball when they won three consecutive national titles from 1964-1966 under legendary coach John Wooden. This team is considered one of the most excellent collegiate squads assembled, led by future hall of famers Lew Alcindor (now Kareem Abdul Jabbar) and Walt Hazzard.
In football, UCLA had its heyday during Terry Donahue’s tenure as head coach from 1976 to 1995, where he led them to eight conference titles along with four Rose Bowl victories over rivals USC Trojans during that span. The 1983 season was especially memorable for fans as it marked quarterback Troy Aikman’s senior year at UCLA before becoming an NFL Hall Of Famer with Dallas Cowboys fame after being selected 1st overall in the 1989 NFL Draft.
UCLA also boasts many individual successes across all sports throughout its history, including Jackie Robinson, who made his mark through baseball and activism off the field, eventually leading him into the Baseball Hall Of Fame.
Today, the Bruins continue winning, with new stars emerging each year while keeping true to traditions established decades ago by legends like Wooden or Donahue. For college sports fans everywhere, there is no mistaking what school colors you'll see when you hear "Go Bruin" - blue & gold!
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