Top 10 UCLA best football players ever

For over a century, the UCLA Bruins have been a cornerstone of college football, producing athletes who redefined the game and left legacies far beyond the Rose Bowl. From record-setting quarterbacks to unstoppable defenders, UCLA’s history is filled with stars who carried the blue and gold with pride. In this article, premium football tips highlight the best UCLA football players ever, those who shaped eras, inspired fans, and built one of the most respected programs in the nation.

UCLA football: A tradition of greatness

Founded in 1919, UCLA’s football program quickly rose to prominence in the NCAA. The Bruins have battled in iconic rivalries, particularly against USC in the Crosstown Showdown, and have celebrated countless bowl victories. What makes UCLA stand out is not only team success but also its unmatched ability to develop individual greatness. Over the decades, UCLA has produced a Heisman Trophy winner, multiple College Football Hall of Famers, and NFL stars who carried their collegiate dominance to the professional level.

The criteria for greatness

When identifying the best UCLA football players of all time, several factors come into play: College performance, national awards, impact in big games, and contributions at the professional level. While statistics matter, legacy and influence often weigh just as heavily in shaping the legends of Westwood.

Best UCLA football players of all time – legendary Bruins stars in college football history — The greatest UCLA football players who built the Bruins’ legacy on the gridiron

Top 10 best UCLA football players

10. Alterraun Verner – Cornerback

Alterraun Verner was a bright spot for UCLA in the 2000s. Known for his intelligence and ball-hawking skills, he recorded 13 interceptions during his college career and earned All-American honors in 2009. His anticipation and leadership made him one of the most reliable cornerbacks of his era.

Alterraun Verner UCLA cornerback, All-American 2009 and NFL Pro Bowl selection — Alterraun Verner, UCLA’s standout cornerback of the 2000s, known for his sharp instincts and leadership

In the NFL, Verner quickly transitioned into a standout defensive back, highlighted by a Pro Bowl selection with the Tennessee Titans in 2013. His cerebral approach to the game and steady production underscored UCLA’s ability to develop polished, NFL-ready defenders.

9. Kenny Washington – Running back

Kenny Washington played at UCLA in the late 1930s and became a pioneer in football history. A standout running back, he was the first Bruin to lead the nation in total offense and was widely considered one of the best players in the country at the time.

Kenny Washington UCLA running back, college star and pioneer in pro football history — Kenny Washington, UCLA running back and NFL trailblazer who broke football’s color barrier

Washington later broke the NFL’s color barrier in 1946 when he signed with the Los Angeles Rams, becoming one of the most important figures in American sports history. His legacy is both athletic and cultural, cementing his place among the all-time greats.

8. Jerry Robinson – Linebacker

Jerry Robinson was a defensive legend for the Bruins in the 1970s. A three-time consensus All-American, Robinson was relentless on the field, combining speed, awareness, and toughness to dominate opposing offenses. He set the bar for linebackers at UCLA.

Jerry Robinson UCLA linebacker, College Football Hall of Famer and NFL veteran — Jerry Robinson, UCLA’s three-time All-American linebacker who set the standard for defensive greatness

Robinson went on to play more than a decade in the NFL, proving that his dominance translated to the next level. His career with the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Raiders made him one of the most successful linebackers to emerge from UCLA.

7. Paul Cameron – Quarterback / Running back / Defensive back

Paul Cameron was one of the most versatile players in UCLA history. Playing in the early 1950s, he earned All-American honors three times while contributing as a quarterback, running back, and defensive back. His adaptability made him one of the most valuable players in the nation.

Paul Cameron UCLA football legend, three-time All-American and College Football Hall of Famer — Paul Cameron, UCLA’s versatile star of the 1950s, excelling as quarterback, running back, and defensive back

Cameron’s all-around excellence helped establish UCLA’s reputation on the national stage. He was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of the Bruins’ earliest icons.

6. Kris Farris – Offensive lineman

Kris Farris was the anchor of UCLA’s offensive line in the late 1990s. His size and strength were unmatched, and in 1998, he was awarded the Outland Trophy as the nation’s best interior lineman. He played a critical role in protecting Cade McNown and opening lanes for Skip Hicks.

Kris Farris UCLA offensive lineman, Outland Trophy 1998 for best interior lineman — Kris Farris, UCLA’s dominant offensive lineman and Outland Trophy winner of 1998

Though injuries limited his professional career, Farris’ dominance at UCLA remains unforgettable. His Outland Trophy was proof of how impactful a lineman could be in defining the Bruins’ offensive success.

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5. Freeman McNeil – Running back

Freeman McNeil starred for UCLA in the late 1970s and early 1980s. A versatile back, he racked up over 3,000 rushing yards in his college career and displayed a unique ability to catch passes out of the backfield. His all-around skill set made him a dual threat every time he touched the ball.

Freeman McNeil UCLA running back, 1970s college football standout and New York Jets legend — Freeman McNeil, UCLA’s dynamic running back of the late 1970s who became a Pro Bowl star with the New York Jets

After UCLA, McNeil carried his talent to the NFL, where he became a cornerstone of the New York Jets’ offense. With multiple Pro Bowl appearances, his success validated UCLA’s reputation for producing NFL-ready running backs.

4. Skip Hicks – Running back

Skip Hicks was one of the most prolific scorers in UCLA history. Between 1993 and 1997, he found the end zone 55 times, making him one of the most dependable and explosive players in the program’s record books. His combination of speed and vision made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Skip Hicks UCLA running back, record-setting scorer and key Bruins offensive star in the 1990s — Skip Hicks, UCLA’s touchdown machine of the 1990s with 55 career scores

Though his NFL career didn’t reach the same heights, Hicks remains beloved by Bruins fans. His scoring records highlighted the offensive firepower UCLA carried during the mid-90s and still serve as a benchmark for running backs who followed.

3. Don Rogers – Defensive back

Don Rogers was a defensive powerhouse for UCLA in the early 1980s. He shined brightest in the 1984 Rose Bowl, where he earned MVP honors for shutting down Illinois and leading the Bruins to a dominant win. Rogers had the rare blend of speed and anticipation that made him one of the best safeties in program history.

Don Rogers UCLA defensive back, Rose Bowl MVP and Cleveland Browns safety — Don Rogers, UCLA’s hard-hitting defensive back and 1984 Rose Bowl MVP

Tragically, his professional career was cut short when he passed away just after his rookie season with the Cleveland Browns. Despite his short life, his legacy remains strong at UCLA, and he is remembered as a symbol of excellence and resilience.

2. Kenny Easley – Safety

Known as ‘The Enforcer,’ Kenny Easley dominated UCLA’s defense in the late 1970s and early 80s. A three-time consensus All-American, Easley combined instinct, speed, and bone-crushing hits to intimidate opponents.

Kenny Easley UCLA safety, College Football Hall of Famer and NFL Defensive Player of the Year — Kenny Easley, UCLA’s legendary safety and three-time All-American of the early 1980s

With 19 career interceptions at UCLA, he set a benchmark for defensive backs. His impact extended into the NFL, where he earned Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1984. Easley’s blend of intelligence and physicality still makes him one of the most feared safeties in football history.

1. Troy Aikman – Quarterback

Troy Aikman may be best remembered for his Hall of Fame career with the Dallas Cowboys, but his legacy began at UCLA. After transferring from Oklahoma, Aikman quickly became one of the most polished passers in the nation.

Troy Aikman UCLA quarterback, All-American and Pro Football Hall of Famer with the Dallas Cowboys — Troy Aikman, UCLA’s star quarterback who became a Dallas Cowboys legend and Hall of Famer

He guided the Bruins to back-to-back 10-win seasons and earned consensus All-American honors in 1988. His leadership, accuracy, and calm under pressure made him a standout in college, and his three Super Bowl titles in the NFL confirmed his greatness.

Conclusion

UCLA football is more than just victories and rivalries, it is the story of players who turned talent into legacy. From Heisman winners like Gary Beban to NFL Hall of Famers like Troy Aikman and Jonathan Ogden, the Bruins have consistently produced stars who shaped the game at every level. Yet beyond the household names, legends such as Don Rogers, Kenny Washington, and Alterraun Verner remind us that UCLA’s history is also defined by resilience, innovation, and trailblazing spirit. Together, these athletes embody the heart of Bruin football: excellence on the field, leadership off it, and a lasting impact that reaches far beyond Westwood.

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