5 Reasons UCLA Fans Should Be Excited for Next Season

Even though the offseason is still young, there are already plenty of reasons to be excited about UCLA basketball heading into the 2026–27 season.

Depending on how the offseason unfolds, UCLA could still be in the midst of a partial roster rebuild. However, with the Bruins retaining more of their core players each week, it increasingly looks like UCLA will be able to remain competitive next season. Ultimately, much of that will depend on how well the program utilizes its resources during the rest of the offseason.

Recruiting Class Looks Solid

Mar 20, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin reacts in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The incoming talent is already promising. For starters, UCLA landed Joe Philon, a four-star power forward who should fit well within the Bruins’ system. In addition, the Bruins signed Javonte Floyd, a three-star center who could help address one of UCLA’s biggest needs in the frontcourt.

Both players represent a new wave of talent for the program. While they may not receive major playing time in their first season, they could become valuable contributors off the bench and gradually develop into larger roles. Only time will tell how impactful they ultimately become.

Xavier Booker Will Take the Leap

Xavier Booker is a good example of the type of potential UCLA already has on its roster. His ability to score at 6-foot-11 makes him one of the more dangerous offensive big men in college basketball when he is playing well. However, as we saw last season, that level of production has not always been consistent.

If UCLA can place Booker in a more stable role that allows him greater offensive freedom, he could become a major problem for opposing teams. The challenge, however, is that this will largely depend on whether UCLA can add another big man through the transfer portal to complement Booker’s skill set.

Eric Dailey Jr. Could Be a Star

Similarly, Eric Dailey Jr. could emerge as one of the team’s breakout stars. Prior to last season, Dailey Jr. was widely viewed as one of the top small forwards in the country. While he did not fully meet those expectations, the foundation for a major leap is clearly there.

There are still areas where Dailey Jr. can improve — particularly attacking the rim and drawing contact — but overall, he has the tools to become a highly productive player for UCLA. With Tyler Bilodeau, the Bruins’ leading scorer from last season, no longer on the roster, Dailey Jr. will likely need to take on a larger offensive role.

UCLA Defense Will Be Great

Defense was another area where UCLA struggled at times last season. That was a major factor in the Bruins’ inability to advance further in the NCAA Tournament. However, with several of UCLA’s stronger defenders returning, there is reason to believe that side of the ball could improve significantly.

Brandon Williams and Eric Freeny were two of UCLA’s most reliable defensive contributors last season. With Booker continuing to develop and Dailey Jr. also providing a solid defensive effort, the Bruins could have a lineup capable of giving opponents serious trouble.

Trent Perry Is UCLA's Captain

The final reason for excitement largely depends on what happens in the coming weeks. As mentioned earlier, UCLA has already seen several players return to the program, creating a solid foundation. However, Trent Perry’s status for next season has not yet been confirmed.

If Perry does return, UCLA will have the opportunity to see what a Trent Perry–led team could look like. His talent and playmaking ability have already been on display, and with UCLA losing several key offensive options, Perry would likely take on a much larger leadership role.

The bottom line is that UCLA already has several pieces in place that should generate excitement heading into next season. At the same time, it is worth remembering that the Bruins have often looked strong on paper but have not always lived up to expectations.

Still, this season feels different.