UCLA's basketball program faces challenges after a disappointing season, with key players graduating and no major transfers. The USC Trojans may have an opportunity to surpass them in the upcoming 2026-2027 season.
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After a second-straight Round of 32 NCAA tournament exit for the UCLA Bruins, it was going to be interesting to see how Mick Cronin attempted to elevate his roster heading into the 2026-2027 season. Cronin and UCLA brought in some talent via the portal but no clear game-changing transfers.
UCLAâs coming off of a pretty disappointing 24-12 season, where the team lacked defensive playmakers and had up-and-down offensive performances. In theory, the Bruins would have to be replacing a lot of offense, with both Tyler Bilodeau and Donovan Dent graduating from the program.
Instead, UCLA is banking on some of the talent already on their roster to take a leap as a scorer. Itâs possible that Eric Dailey Jr., Trent Perry and Xavier Booker are able to do that, but itâs no sure thing. Across town, USC keeps loading up talent, with the Trojans poised for a very competitive season under Eric Musselman.
Cronin hasnât lost to Musselman since both coaches have been in Los Angeles, but might that change this season? Trojans Wire writer Matt Zemek gives his take on whoâs better positioned this year between UCLA and USC.
âIt's true that Eric Musselman has, to this point, been a major disappointment at USC. However, it does need to be said that if USC had not been hit very hard by injuries this past season -- Rodney Rice, Alijah Arenas, and others -- the Trojans very probably would have made the NCAA Tournament. Now, Arenas is staying for a second season. Rice is coming back, plus the new portal reinforcements. It's a massive haul which certainly seems to be better and more ambitious than what Mick Cronin has done at UCLA,â Zemek wrote. âI followed UCLA closely the past few seasons. Being a No. 7 seed is now a trend, at least if you believe the old saying, "One is an accident, two's a trend." USC has what looks like a Sweet 16 team on paper, maybe a No. 4 seed. I don't think UCLA is there -- not now, at least. In what is a hot-seat season for Cronin, the outlook doesn't seem especially promising. Another 7 seed won't make anyone in Westwood happy ... and it probably won't be enough to match the standard USC is likely to set, provided the Trojans stay healthy next season.â
UCLA finished the season with a 24-12 record and exited in the Round of 32 of the NCAA tournament.
Tyler Bilodeau and Donovan Dent are the key players graduating from UCLA's basketball program.
Mick Cronin is looking to elevate his roster through the transfer portal, although no clear game-changing transfers have been announced.
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If UCLAâs mediocrity continues, the Bruins could very well be searching for a new coach next spring. The Bruins have already fallen out of national title contention, but if USC surpasses UCLA, then Martin Jarmondâs decision gets even easier.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Does USC's loaded roster put them ahead of UCLA going into next year?