UCLA Athletics’ first year in the Big Ten didn’t affect its ability to win conference – and national honors. Whether it was individual accolades or program banners, the 2024-2025 campaign was full of bright moments.

In its first year in the Big Ten, UCLA Athletics had its fair share of glory-filled moments. Whether it was perfect 10s, buzzer beaters or last-minute thrillers, these nine athletes forever cemented themself in Bruin history.

This post was updated May 26 at 10:50 p.m.
While every season celebrates its star, it also gives rise to unexpected standouts. Whether through breakout performances or quiet consistency, several Bruins made the leap from role players to program cornerstones.

This post was updated May 22 at 11:11 p.m.
With just softball and baseball remaining in the postseason hunt, UCLA’s first year in the Big Ten is nearly in the books.

This post was updated May 1 at 11:52 p.m.
 
Gianna Kneepkens, former Utah standout guard and a three-time Big 12 First Team pick, committed to UCLA women’s basketball on Thursday morning, per ESPN. 
Kneepkens nabbed a Pac-12 Preseason All-Conference selection before her junior season in 2023 – as well as slots on watchlists for the John R.

Special guest Ira Gorawara appears on the show to recap UCLA’s women’s basketball.

Ikaika Malloe obviously did not hear his name called in the 2025 NFL Draft. But he sure had his imprint all over the event.
After his first season manufacturing UCLA football’s defense, the Bruins’ defensive coordinator watched four of his defensemen earn homes in the NFL.

Oluwafemi Oladejo, the hard-hitting linebacker out of UCLA football, was selected by the Tennessee Titans with the 52nd overall pick in the second round of the NFL Draft on Friday night. 
The 6-foot-3 Bruins’ call-up follows in quick succession after linebacker colleague Carson Schwesinger was snapped up by the Cleveland Browns with the 33rd overall pick and first pick of the second round earlier Friday evening, marking a banner night for the Bruins’ defensive core. 
[Related: Cleveland Browns select UCLA football’s Carson Schwesinger with 33rd overall pick]
Together, Oladejo and Schwesinger patrolled one of the most punishing linebacker units in college football last season, holding opponents to just 96.2 rushing yards per game for the sixth-stingiest mark in the nation.

This post was updated April 28 at 1:24 p.m.
Former UCLA football linebacker Carson Schwesinger was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 33rd overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Friday evening.

While spring practice is in full swing and UCLA football’s future seems to be taking center stage on social media, a group of former Bruins are preparing to begin their journeys at the next level.