What To Expect From Eric Dailey Jr. in 2026–27

Projecting what Eric Dailey Jr.'s 2026-27 season might look like.

Feb 14, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin talks to guard Eric Dailey Jr. (3) in the second half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

With UCLA entering the 2026–27 season, it can be inferred that Eric Dailey Jr. will be the primary offensive threat.

The Bruins have undergone major roster changes this offseason. Not only did they lose their leading scorer, Tyler Bilodeau, but they also lost Donovan Dent and Skyy Clark. With those departures, Dailey and Trent Perry are now the two players expected to elevate UCLA next season.

Dailey Jr.'s Impact Last Season

Mar 22, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Eric Dailey Jr. (3) reacts against the UConn Huskies in the first half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Last season, Dailey averaged 11.6 points, a team-high 5.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 27.6 minutes per game while starting at small forward. He shot 48.6% from the field and 31.6% from three-point range.

While those numbers are solid, they did not fully match preseason expectations. Dailey was projected to take a major leap, but inconsistency — along with limited chemistry with Dent — made it difficult for him to find a steady rhythm.

What Dailey Jr.'s Role Will Look Like Next Season

Mar 22, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Eric Dailey Jr. (3) shoots the ball against the UConn Huskies in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Looking ahead, that role becomes much clearer. Dailey is now positioned to be UCLA’s go-to option. Perry will still play a major role offensively, but outside of those two, there is no proven No. 1 scorer on the roster. That places the responsibility squarely on Dailey to take that next step.

UCLA added six new players this offseason, including four forwards: Sergej Macura, Filip Jovic, Joe Philon, and Javonte Floyd. However, when evaluating their skill sets, it is clear that most were brought in to address defense and rebounding — not to take over as primary scorers.

Mar 20, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Eric Dailey Jr. (3) shoots a free throw in the second 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

Additionally, many of those players are still young and developing. That lack of experience will naturally push Dailey into a leadership role, both on the court and in the locker room.

If Dailey and Perry can continue to build chemistry, Dailey should emerge as UCLA’s leading scorer. His ability to create offense one-on-one, combined with his effectiveness in transition, makes him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses.

Nov 22, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin and guard Eric Dailey Jr. (3) talk during the second half against the Cal State Fullerton Titans at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

A jump to 15-plus points per game next season is well within reach — just a modest increase from last year’s production. If he can reach that level while elevating those around him, UCLA could find itself near the top of the Big Ten.

The bottom line is that Dailey now holds the keys to UCLA’s success. Even with a deeper and more crowded frontcourt, his role remains unchanged. With the most experience in Mick Cronin’s system, Dailey is in the best position to lead the Bruins into their next phase.