UCLA athletics soaring into new blue-and-golden age behind football rebirth

UCLA is enjoying a broad revival across its major sports, with football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball all ranked in the national top 10. The article argues that this combination recalls the programme’s past success and could be sustainable if the university keeps its coaches and continues supporting athletics.

Football is 9-0 under first-year coach Bob Chesney, despite 63 new players and the loss of its starting quarterback in the fifth game; the team is now within a couple of wins of a Big Ten title game and College Football Playoff place. Women’s basketball coach Cori Close has signed a four-year extension, while men’s basketball coach Mick Cronin has a promising roster. Four other UCLA teams are ranked in the top 25, and the article credits Chancellor Julio Frenk and athletic director Tim Harris with changes to leadership, ticket access and the university’s athletics finances.