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From Rose Bowl heroes to NFL icons, UCLA has produced some of the most influential players in college football. Ranking the UCLA best football players ever is never easy, but this list counts down the definitive stars who built the Bruins’ football legacy. For more insights into football history and betting strategies, visit Wintips.
UCLA football’s tradition of greatness
Before diving into the countdown, it’s important to recognize that UCLA football has long been a breeding ground for elite talent. From Rose Bowl glory to producing NFL Hall of Famers, the Bruins’ program has consistently shaped athletes who leave their mark on the game. This tradition of greatness sets the stage for our list of the top 10 players in UCLA history.
10. Marcedes Lewis (Tight end)
Marcedes Lewis was the ultimate mismatch on the field. With his 6’6” frame and elite athleticism, he was both a reliable blocker and a dangerous pass-catcher. In 2005, he won the John Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end. His long NFL career further solidified UCLA’s reputation for producing durable, versatile talent.
Beyond his statistics, Lewis gave UCLA an identity at the tight end position. His ability to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties opened up the Bruins’ passing game in ways fans had rarely seen before. He became a prototype for the modern tight end.
9. J.J. Stokes (Wide receiver)
During the early 1990s, J.J. Stokes became one of the most feared wide receivers in college football. A consensus All-American in 1993, he set records for receptions and touchdowns while leading UCLA’s offense. Stokes’ ability to dominate defenders eventually carried him into a successful NFL career, including a Super Bowl win with the 49ers.
Stokes wasn’t just productive; he was reliable in the biggest moments. His chemistry with UCLA quarterbacks made him a go-to target on third downs and in the red zone, which is why defenses often had no answer for him.
8. Gaston Green (Running back)
Gaston Green was the workhorse of UCLA’s backfield in the 1980s. His powerful running style helped him set the school’s all-time rushing record with 3,731 yards. Reliable, tough, and consistent, Green gave the Bruins an offensive identity that carried them through an era of competitiveness and success.
Green’s consistency helped UCLA control the tempo of games. He wasn’t flashy, but his ability to grind down defenses made him invaluable. Teammates often credited him with setting the tone for the Bruins’ offensive toughness.
7. Eric Kendricks (Linebacker)
Eric Kendricks embodied what it meant to be a modern linebacker. As UCLA’s all-time leading tackler, he displayed elite instincts, range, and leadership. In 2014, he won the Butkus Award as the best linebacker in the nation, a testament to his dominance. Kendricks’ impact continued in the NFL, where he became a defensive leader for the Minnesota Vikings.
Kendricks’ leadership extended far beyond tackles and awards. He was a mentor for younger players, and his football IQ allowed him to read offenses before the snap. Coaches often praised him as the ultimate film-room student.
6. Cade McNown (Quarterback)
At the helm of UCLA’s offense in the late 1990s, Cade McNown was fearless. He directed the Bruins to a record-setting 20-game winning streak and earned consensus All-American honors in 1998. Known for his grit and confidence, McNown gave UCLA fans one of the most exciting stretches in program history.
McNown’s impact wasn’t just wins, it was energy. Fans rallied behind his fearless play style, and his swagger inspired confidence across the roster. He gave UCLA football an attitude that matched its talent.
5. Maurice Jones-Drew (Running back)
Explosive and dynamic, Maurice Jones-Drew gave UCLA an edge every time he touched the ball. Known for his speed and strength, he broke multiple school records and produced one of the most memorable rushing performances in 2004 against Washington with 322 yards. His NFL career with the Jaguars, including a rushing title in 2011, confirmed his legendary status.
Jones-Drew also thrived on special teams, where his explosive kick returns made him a constant threat. His versatility forced opponents to adjust every time he stepped onto the field, adding an extra dimension to UCLA’s offense.
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4. Jonathan Ogden (Offensive tackle)
Jonathan Ogden was the anchor every offense dreams of. Winning the Outland Trophy in 1995, he showcased dominance on UCLA’s offensive line. His Hall of Fame NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens, including a Super Bowl victory, proved that his greatness extended beyond Westwood. Ogden remains the gold standard for linemen in UCLA history.
Ogden’s dominance was so complete that UCLA often ran plays specifically to highlight his side of the line. His footwork and agility at his size were unprecedented, and opponents knew they were up against something special.
3. Gary Beban (Quarterback)
The 1967 Heisman Trophy winner, Gary Beban stands alone in UCLA history. Nicknamed ‘The Great One,’ he played through injuries and led the Bruins to national prominence. While his NFL career was short, his college accomplishments remain unmatched, and his Heisman Trophy is still a source of pride for Bruins fans.
Beban’s most famous moment came in the 1967 ‘Game of the Century’ against USC, where he battled valiantly despite injuries. His toughness in that matchup solidified his status as one of the most courageous Bruins ever.
2. Kenny Easley (Safety)
A defensive force like no other, Kenny Easley redefined the safety position at UCLA. With 19 career interceptions and three consensus All-American selections, he was the heart of the Bruins’ defense. Easley later became NFL Defensive Player of the Year, cementing his status as one of the best defensive backs ever produced by UCLA.
Easley wasn’t just a playmaker; he was a tone-setter. His presence forced quarterbacks to rethink their game plans, and his highlight-reel hits electrified fans at the Rose Bowl. His leadership shaped the identity of UCLA’s defense.
1. Troy Aikman (Quarterback)
Troy Aikman tops the list as the best ucla football players of all time. After transferring from Oklahoma, he transformed the Bruins’ offense with his poise, precision, and leadership. His 1988 season earned him All-American recognition, and his professional career, highlighted by three Super Bowl championships with the Dallas Cowboys, made him a football legend. For Bruins fans, Aikman’s legacy as a winner and leader will always stand above the rest.
Aikman’s influence extended beyond the field, he elevated the program’s national profile. His transfer to UCLA signaled that the Bruins could attract elite talent, and his success drew future stars to Westwood.
UCLA’s football legacy
From Troy Aikman to Maurice Jones-Drew, UCLA’s football program has consistently developed players who shine on both the college and professional stages. The Bruins’ tradition is built not only on wins but also on producing stars whose names resonate across generations of fans. These top 10 legends capture the essence of what makes UCLA football truly special.
Conclusion
Ranking UCLA’s greatest football players from 10 to 1 reminds us why the Bruins’ legacy shines so brightly in college football history. Each name on this list brought a unique skillset, from the blocking dominance of Jonathan Ogden to the electric playmaking of Maurice Jones-Drew and the leadership of Troy Aikman. Together, they represent the heart of UCLA football: Resilience, talent, and the ability to perform when it matters most. Their stories not only honor the past but also inspire the next generation of Bruins who dream of carrying the blue and gold to new heights. For fans looking to dive deeper into the UCLA best football players ever and explore more sports insights, Wintips is the place to go.
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