As far as the most coveted single award in college football, the UCLA Bruins have come close to greatness. It’s fair to say that they did so without ever quite claiming the ultimate prize. It’s a proud program with an enduring tradition of great quarterbacks.
UCLA has created legends who’ve left lasting impressions on the sport, even though the Heisman has done it for them more often than not. But how many Bruins precisely have held aloft the Heisman Trophy? Let’s dissect the complete list and history of UCLA’s Heisman hopefuls and winners—past, present, and near-there.
Gary Beban—Quarterback, 1967 Heisman Trophy Winner
The sole UCLA Heisman Trophy winner, Gary Beban, joined college football lore in 1967. Greeted with the nickname “The Great One,” Beban was a do-everything quarterback who embodied poise and accuracy. He passed for 1,359 yards and eight touchdowns and ran for 227 yards and 11 touchdowns. The player achieved these statistics despite rib injuries suffered late in the season.
Beban’s Heisman bid was highlighted by a classic duel with USC’s O.J. Simpson in the Game of the Century, a 21-20 loss that only added to his legend. He outran Simpson for the award, receiving 1,968 points to Simpson’s 1,722 on the final Heisman ballot.
Beban played briefly for the Washington Redskins before going into business and achieving success. His No. 16 jersey is one of the most highly honored in UCLA’s history to this day.
O.J. Simpson—Running Back, 1968 Heisman Trophy Winner (USC)
Although commonly in error for crediting UCLA with his legendary game against Beban, O.J. Simpson competed for USC, UCLA’s local rival. He competed for the Trojans, not the Bruins, and wasn’t listed as a UCLA Heisman winner.
Troy Aikman—Quarterback, 1988 Heisman Finalist
Although he lost the Heisman, Troy Aikman also created a stellar UCLA campaign in 1988 that ranked third in Heisman voting. A transfer from Oklahoma, Aikman excelled in Terry Donahue’s pro-style attack. Aikman completed 64.8% of his passes for 2,771 yards and 24 touchdowns to propel the Bruins to a 10–2 record and a Cotton Bowl triumph over Arkansas.
Aikman’s composure, lightning-quick release, and NFL-caliber arm propelled him to Heisman Trophy consideration and, ultimately, the No. 1 overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft. He led the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl championships and was enshrined in the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame.
Though the Heisman eluded him, Aikman is still one of the all-time great Bruin players.
Cade McNown—Quarterback, 1998 Heisman Finalist
Feisty quarterback Cade McNown mounted a real Heisman push in 1998. As a senior that year, he passed for 3,470 yards and 25 touchdowns and guided the Bruins to a 10–2 record and a co-Pac-10 Championship share. A showboat and big-play threat, McNown was the key figure in one of UCLA’s finest seasons on record.
He finished third in the Heisman voting, behind winner Ricky Williams of Texas and Michael Bishop of Kansas State, to close out an outstanding college career.
McNown’s highlight reel included a 513-yard game against Miami to close out the season and victories over top-10 teams such as Arizona. While his NFL career never matched what he had achieved at UCLA, his place in Westwood is secure.
UCLA’s Heisman Drought: Will a New Era Bring a New Champion?
While UCLA has consistently produced Hall of Famers and NFL stars, its Heisman Trophy trophy case is still sparse—Gary Beban is the only winner in more than 55 years. The days are, though, set to change. With the Bruins’ move to the Big Ten in 2024, UCLA is set to significantly improve its national visibility and strength of schedule.
Head coach DeShaun Foster, a legend at UCLA, infuses new life into the program. If he can cultivate a dynamic quarterback and make the most of high-profile national games, the Bruins might soon be churning out another serious Heisman candidate.
UCLA’s quarterback stable now boasts names such as Ethan Garbers, Collin Schlee, and Justyn Martin, but none have come near the Heisman. But with NIL publicity, TV contracts, and a lengthened playoff schedule on the horizon, the Bruins are ready to ride the national wave again.
KEEP READING: Insider Explains Why Nico Iamaleava’s Transfer to UCLA Could Make or Break His 2025 Season
Although UCLA lacks the Heisman tradition of schools such as USC or Ohio State, it has produced some of the greatest college football stars.
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