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UCLA's Arm Dynasty: From Heisman Heroes to NFL Hotshots, Who's Next in Line?
Where Legends Are Forged
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has been a nursery for glamour quarterbacks who have overpowered both college football and professional leagues. It has the best tradition extending from decades of developing Heisman Trophy winners, College Football Hall of Famers, and established players in the National Football League (NFL).
Prominent UCLA Quarterbacks
Beban
One of the Notable UCLA quarterbacks in history, Gary Beban (1965-1967) remains the only Bruin to win the Heisman Trophy when he did so in 1967. The Bruins of the mid-1960s were a powerhouse under his leadership, finishing 8-2 his senior year. It did not impede Beban, though, playing with a cracked rib in what is now referred to as the "Game of the Century" against crosstown rival USC. But his professional league career was brief, just two seasons with the Washington Redskins.
Aikman
Following his relocation from Oklahoma, Troy Aikman (1986-1988) emerged as UCLA's most accomplished quarterback, with a 20-4 record in two years. He recorded a highlight victory in the 1988 Cotton Bowl. Aikman was drafted first overall in the 1989 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys and went on to win three Super Bowls before being enshrined in both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.
McNown
Cade McNown (1995-1998) infused UCLA football with energy and enthusiasm, taking the team to a Pac-10 title in 1998 and earning a Rose Bowl appearance. He is still the school's all-time leader in total offense and passing yards. First-round draft pick in the 1999 NFL Draft, McNown's professional career lasted just four seasons in the NFL.
Rosen
Hyped as one of the most pro-ready quarterbacks to graduate from college in years, Josh Rosen (2015-2017) threw for over 9,300 yards over his three-year stint at UCLA. He was selected tenth overall in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, but he was unable to meet the high expectations placed upon him. Since entering the league, he has ridden a string of teams without establishing himself as a long-term starter.
Thompson-Robinson
A dynamic playmaker, Dorian Thompson-Robinson (DTR) (2018-2022) played five seasons at UCLA, establishing multiple school records, including career total offensive yards. His athleticism and versatility to contribute both as a passer and runner made him one of the most exciting quarterbacks in recent program history. In 2023, he joined the NFL as a late-round draft choice for the Cleveland Browns.
UCLA Past Quarterbacks in the Hall of Fame
Several UCLA past quarterbacks have been recognized for their collegiate excellence by being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame:
- Gary Beban (1987) – The only Heisman winner in UCLA history and a pivotal figure in the Bruins' football legacy.
- Troy Aikman (2008) – A dominant college quarterback whose impact extended into a Hall of Fame NFL career.
These quarterbacks set the foundation for UCLA’s reputation as a program capable of developing top-tier signal-callers.
How Did Gary Beban’s Injury Impact UCLA’s 1967 Season?
Gary Beban’s rib injury during the 1967 season had a significant impact on UCLA’s campaign. In the pivotal rivalry game against USC, Beban played through the pain but was limited in effectiveness.
Despite his efforts, the Bruins lost 21-20 in a game that ultimately helped USC's O.J. Simpson secure the Heisman Trophy. This loss prevented UCLA from earning a shot at the national championship, marking a turning point in their season.
The NFL Pipeline: UCLA Quarterbacks in the Pros
UCLA has produced several quarterbacks who transitioned to the NFL with varying degrees of success. Notable Bruins who played professionally include:
- Troy Aikman – Three-time Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys.
- Jay Schroeder – Super Bowl-winning quarterback with the Washington Redskins.
- Cade McNown – Drafted in the first round but struggled in the NFL.
- Josh Rosen – A highly touted prospect who failed to find a long-term home in the league.
- Dorian Thompson-Robinson – Entered the NFL in 2023, serving as a backup for the Cleveland Browns.
While some UCLA quarterbacks found success at the professional level, others struggled with consistency or longevity in the NFL.
UCLA’s quarterback history is rich with talent and legacy. From Heisman winner Gary Beban to Super Bowl champion Troy Aikman, the Bruins have consistently produced high-caliber quarterbacks.
While not all UCLA signal-callers translated their college success to the NFL, the program remains a respected incubator of quarterback talent. As the program continues to develop top-tier passers, its reputation as a powerhouse for quarterbacks will endure with the hope of producing more UCLA quarterback hall-of-famers.
For the latest NCAA college football odds, check out BetUS for insights and updates on upcoming UCLA games.
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