The UCLA Bruins take on the USC Trojans this weekend, renewing one of college football’s greatest rivalries. Now, taking their rivalry to the Big Ten, the Bruins are looking for more than just bragging rights as serious bowl implications take center stage.
If that were not enough, there are tons of prospective recruits who will be in attendance. According to Tracy McDannald of UCLA Rivals, head coach DeShaun Foster estimated that upwards of 700 recruits could be at the Rose Bowl on Saturday. As a result, the Bruins have an incredible opportunity.
For prospective recruits, rivalry games are the perfect way to showcase a program’s ability, pride, and amenities. Add to that the Rose Bowl’s historic charm and UCLA could sway some undecided recruits with just one win.
At 4-6 this season, the Bruins have, in many ways, overachieved relative to expectation. With a talented 2025 recruiting class on the way, the Bruins have a chance to improve their recruiting board and take down their biggest rival at home on Saturday.