Every bowl game the Bruins have played in

Oct 24, 1987; Pasadena, CA, USA: FILE PHOTO; UCLA Bruins quarterback Troy Aikman (8) in action against the California Golden Bears during the 1987 season at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Long Photography-USA TODAY Sports

UCLA Bowl History

Although most renowned for its success on the basketball court, UCLA has also achieved great accomplishments in football. In 2022, under the guidance of Chip Kelly, the team returned to a bowl game after an impressive 8-4 record in 2021. This marks a pivotal moment for the program as they are set to join the Big 10 conference in 2024.

The UCLA Bruins have been regular participants in bowl games throughout their storied history, having made 37 appearances. Their first bowl game appearance dates back to 1943, with their latest being the Sun Bowl loss to Pittsburgh in the previous season.

Kelly’s tenure as head coach has seen only one bowl appearance, despite having two winning seasons. On the other hand, Terry Donahue holds the record for most bowl game appearances by a UCLA head coach, with 13, including an impressive streak of eight consecutive appearances from 1981 to 1988. Additionally, the Rose Bowl holds the distinction of being the most frequently visited bowl game by the Bruins, with 12 appearances.

This count could potentially reach 38, as the Bruins competed in the Pineapple Bowl in 1938 and defeated Hawaii with a score of 32-7. However, the NCAA does not classify it as a major bowl due to it being a pre-scheduled game.