UCLA football used to be a beacon of excellence. In recent years, though, it’s been stuck in mediocrity.
There have been a few bright spots sprinkled in, but the Bruins just can’t seem to reclaim their old glory. Let’s take a closer look at why UCLA’s fallen off, what hurdles they’re facing in today’s college football world, and where things might go from here—with NIL, the transfer portal, and all this talk of conference shuffling.
The Decline of UCLA Football
The slide into mediocrity has been going on for nearly three decades. It’s mostly a story of inconsistent leadership and coaching that never quite panned out.
Since the early 2000s, there’ve only been a handful of truly good seasons. The Jim Mora era from 2012 to 2014 stands out, with a 29-11 record and some real shots at conference titles.
But honestly, those moments have been rare. Most years, the Bruins have struggled to put together a winning formula.
Poor Leadership and Coaching
Lack of solid leadership has been a big part of the problem. Former athletic directors Dan Guerrero and Martin Jarmond have both drawn heat for not giving the football program what it needs—whether that’s vision, support, or just plain old direction.
Coaching hires haven’t worked out, either. Karl Dorrell, Rick Neuheisel, and Chip Kelly all came in with some hype, but the results have been underwhelming for over 15 years now.
And it doesn’t stop with just the athletic department. The university’s chancellors, Albert Carnesdale and Gene Block, haven’t exactly been champions for football. Their lack of interest has made it tough for the program to really compete.
The Challenges of the Modern Era
College football keeps changing, and UCLA’s got new challenges to deal with. NIL deals, the transfer portal, and looming conference realignment have all made things a bit chaotic.
NIL and the Transfer Portal
NIL has totally changed the game. Players can now make money off their names and brands, which is great for them, but it’s a tricky landscape for programs like UCLA.
Honestly, you’d think being in Los Angeles would give them a leg up for NIL deals. But so far, UCLA hasn’t really figured out how to take advantage of that, and the fundraising effort feels kind of timid.
The transfer portal adds another wrinkle. Sure, you can snag talented players, but you can lose them just as quickly. It’s a balancing act, and UCLA has to be careful not to fall behind.
Conference Realignment and the Super League
There’s talk that college football could see a super league by 2030, maybe with the top 70 FBS teams. That would shake up everything about how conferences work.
With the way things are going, UCLA’s current mediocrity puts them at risk. They could be left out or dumped into a lower tier if they don’t turn things around.
Even if the super league idea fizzles, the Big Ten media rights deal ends in 2030. That could mean every program’s value gets a hard look. If UCLA keeps underperforming, their share of the pie could shrink, which would sting the whole athletic department.
The Path Forward for UCLA Football
Investing in Leadership and Coaching
If UCLA wants to climb out of this rut, they’ve got to get serious about hiring the right people. That means leaders and coaches who get how important football is to the school’s identity and who know how to build something lasting.
There’s a glimmer of hope with new Chancellor Julio Frenk. Back when he was at Miami, he put $100 million into their football program, and it paid off big time. Maybe, just maybe, he’ll bring that same fire to Westwood.
Maximizing NIL Opportunities
UCLA really needs a better NIL game plan. That means forging real partnerships with local businesses, using the LA spotlight, and giving athletes the support they need to make the most of their opportunities.
Adapting to the Modern Landscape
To stay in the mix, UCLA can’t shy away from change. They have to get smart about the transfer portal and keep an eye on whatever wild shifts might come with conference realignment.
It’s not going to be easy. But if they’re proactive and willing to adapt, maybe the Bruins can fight their way back into the conversation.
For a more in-depth look at UCLA’s current situation and what might be ahead, you can check out the full article on 247Sports.
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