Latest Ucla Bruins News | Fox News

Does UCLA's surprising top-10 recruiting class have legitimate juice or is it just fool's gold?

Fri, 15 May 2026 16:16:47 -0400

College football recruiting is a 24/7, 365-day endeavor, but during the offseason, the discussion gets turned up another notch entirely.

Some of you more casual college football fans may be thinking May is too early to be grabbing the scalpel and dissecting a recruiting class full of verbal pledges who won't even sign their papers until December at the earliest, but you could not be more wrong.

More often than not, how you are recruiting post-spring practice is usually a pretty solid indicator of how your class will finish in the winter.

Be forewarned, though. It takes more than just glancing at the number next to your team's logo and giving a thumbs up or thumbs down.

HOW NAME, IMAGE AND LIKENESS LAWS HAVE CHANGED COLLEGE SPORTS

Sure, it's nice to be ranked in the top 10 on recruiting sites in the month of May, but there are other factors involved when breaking down a class. Speaking of which, if you go to your favorite recruiting service and peruse the top 10, you'll see some familiar names littered throughout the page.

Recruiting mainstays like Ohio State, Notre Dame, Oklahoma and Miami, among others, are humming right along with their 2027 classes, but one logo may have stuck out to you.

That's right, the UCLA Bruins, fresh off a disastrous 3-9 season where they eventually fired head coach DeShaun Foster, are sitting all the way at No. 6 on the 247Sports composite rankings (they're 11th on Rivals, but let's not split hairs).

It looks like the boosters finally got serious about dumping some of that money they save for basketball into the football program's NIL budget, along with the fact that a young, successful coach like Bob Chesney may have injected some optimism into the fanbase.

A top-10 class would represent a nearly historic finish for the Bruins, as I could only find one instance of UCLA finishing in the top 10 (2013) since recruiting rankings became more homogenized.

PENN STATE'S JAMES FRANKLIN FACES SCRUTINY FOLLOWING BAD LOSS TO UCLA

But can they finish strong and bring home a recruiting class that can compete with the big boys of college football?

Let's start with the positives.

The Bruins have 18 commits in their 2027 class, and 10 of those are four stars. This puts their "blue chip ratio" above 50%, which is considered the baseline for a competitive recruiting class.

UCLA also has three top-100 prospects in their class, a pretty solid mark for any program in May.

While a decent blue-chip ratio and three top-100 recruits is a great start, there is a problem, and it comes in the form of something I mentioned above.

UCLA's 18 commits is a fairly high number, even in the NIL era of getting deals done early. This means their class doesn't have as much room to grow as some other classes with 11 or 12 commits currently in their class.

At 18 commits and a class average below 90 (89.85), the Bruins would have to fill the rest of their class out with top-100 or borderline five-star players to have a chance at finishing where they sit right now.

Take a look at their crosstown rivals for a good comparison.

The USC Trojans have 13 commits in their class currently, but sit two spots above the Bruins.

How is that possible?

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

Well, the Trojans boast a class average of 93.39, more than 3.5 points higher than UCLA's class average. For context, a full class of 25 commits from last cycle with a similar average finished 13th (Washington), while everyone in the top five from the '26 cycle finished with a 91.90 or higher.

USC already boasts double the top-100 pledges in its class and even has a five-star already in the fold.

If I had to bet money on who finishes in the top 10 between the two Los Angeles schools, I'm taking the Trojans every day of the week with the data presented to me.

Is there a path to a top-ten class for UCLA?

Of course.

They could catch fire on the trail this summer and make some inroads with some elite prospects.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

When you couple that with the possibility of having a stellar first season under Chesney, there's a chance the Bruins sneak into the upper echelon of recruiting rankings.

It's just not likely given how far along they are already.

Things change, and this new era of NIL-driven recruiting definitely shifts the timeline. But historical data would indicate the Bruins are more likely to finish in the top 15.

That's still an incredible class, especially considering the doldrums that have plagued the UCLA football program for the past decade plus.

Regardless, I will have both eyes trained on this Bruins recruiting class for the rest of the year.

It will be fascinating to see if they can buck the historical trends stacked against them, and knowing my reputation, I may have just reverse jinxed them into an elite 2027 class.

You're welcome, Bruins fans.

UCLA student council condemns campus event with former Israeli hostage

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:03:38 -0400

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) leadership was scolded last week by its Undergraduate Students Association Council (USAC) over its sponsorship of an event with a former Israeli hostage.

On April 14, an event titled "505 Days in Captivity: Omer Shem Tov's Testimony of Resilience" featuring former Israeli hostage Omer Shem Tov took place at UCLA. The event was organized by Hillel at UCLA and was co-sponsored by the UCLA Younes & Soraya Nazarian Center for Israel Studies. Shem Tov was kidnapped from the Nova music festival on Oct. 7, 2023, as Hamas terrorists attacked Israel. He was released from captivity in February 2025, and began advocating for the hostages who remained in the terrorists' hands.

The USAC held a meeting on the same day as the event with Shem Tov, during which the letter was apparently discussed, according to documents on the group's website show. It is unclear when the letter was sent to the UCLA administration, UCLA Hillel, the UCLA Younes & Soraya Nazarian Center for Israel Studies and other stakeholders.

HARVARD PRESIDENT CALLS STUDENTS ‘IGNORANT’ ON ISRAEL-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT

In the letter, the USAC objected to "the selective platforming of narratives that obscure the broader reality of ongoing state violence," before going on to accuse Israel of carrying out a "genocide in Gaza" as well as an "illegal military campaign into Lebanon." The USAC also affirmed its "unwavering solidarity with Palestinian students."

"Institutional sponsorship of this event reflects a troubling disregard for Palestinian life and contributes to a campus climate in which Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim students are further marginalized, silenced, and harmed. Universities must not be complicit in the production or amplification of one-sided narratives that erase systems of oppression and occupation," the letter read.

Talia Davood, a student who helped lead the event and who serves as the USAC General Representative, criticized the move and told Fox News Digital that the condemnation was passed while she was absent. Davood described it as "distasteful and deeply disheartening," especially because it coincided with Israel's Holocaust Remembrance Day, also known as Yom HaShoah.

She argued that targeting Shem Tov for sharing his experience "reflects a troubling willingness to dismiss Jewish trauma when it is inconvenient."

Shem Tov, in a statement to Fox News Digital, said that the backlash reflected a broader unwillingness to hear perspectives that challenge existing narratives.

"If you are willing to silence a survivor of 505 days in captivity to protect a preconceived narrative, it’s worth pausing," he said. "When a worldview requires you to override your own values, something is misaligned. The hope is that it’s the worldview that changes — because the values are worth keeping."

LOS ANGELES SCHOOLS ACCUSED OF QUIETLY FUNDING RACE-BASED PROGRAMMING FOR BLACK STUDENTS ONLY

UCLA Hillel Executive Director Daniel Gold forcefully rejected the condemnation and accused student leaders of opposing "dialogue" and "truth."

"Members of UCLA student government have once again shown they are anti-dialogue, anti-learning, anti-truth, anti-student, and anti-Jewish in condemning our beautiful event last week with Omer Shem Tov," Gold added. "Omer’s story rang loudly and proudly on campus last week, as the world was observing Yom Hashoah — when we remind ourselves and our allies to never forget the 6 million Jews murdered in the Holocaust. How appropriate, then, that Omer was here to help remind UCLA of humanity in times of darkness."

A UCLA spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the university stood by the organizers of the event, adding that the message of the gathering was "one of resilience and respect for human rights and dignity." The spokesperson also said that the university would be reviewing the "process by which the letter was issued."

"The condemnation of such a peaceful event to share a story of resilience in the face of extreme suffering is antithetical to the values of our Bruin community," the spokesperson said.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE

In February, the Trump administration sued the University of California system, alleging that UCLA created a hostile antisemitic environment for Jewish and Israeli employees. The DOJ claimed that UCLA violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion and national origin.

"Based on our investigation, UCLA administrators allegedly allowed virulent antisemitism to flourish on campus, harming students and staff alike," then-Attorney General Pamela Bondi said at the time. "Today’s lawsuit underscores that this Department of Justice stands strong against hate and anti-Semitism in all its vile forms."

Prior to the Trump administration lawsuit, UCLA reached a settlement with Jewish students and faculty who sued the school over its handling of anti-Israel protests, including a "Jew Exclusion Zone." The university agreed to pay $6 million in the settlement.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Y&S Nazarian Center for Israel Studies for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Fox News Digital's Bonny Chu contributed to this report.

Jimmy Kimmel tells UCLA women's basketball team to give Trump fake national championship trophy

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:12:02 -0400

UCLA's national champion women's basketball team was given an eyebrow-raising political quest by late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel.

During a group interview on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" on Tuesday, a discussion with Lauren Betts, Kiki Rice, Gabriela Jaquez, Angela Dugalić and coach Cori Close turned political.

After Kimmel pointed out that former President Barack Obama made a social media post congratulating the team on their championship win, the host asked if President Donald Trump had reached out yet.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The players answered "no" in response to Kimmel's Trump question.

But then Kimmel steered the conversation deeper into an anti-Trump routine.

"I'm sure you know he's busy. Um he's in two weeks you'll hear from him," Kimmel said. "In the event that you do get invited to the White House and you decide to go to the White House, I have something for you."

UCLA WINS FIRST WOMEN'S BASKETBALL NATIONAL TITLE IN PROGRAM HISTORY WITH DOMINANT WIN OVER SOUTH CAROLINA

Kimmel then pulled out a silver trophy that hardly resembled the NCAA championship trophy that sat on his desk.

"What I want you to do is bring this fake trophy we've made to the White House. He's not going to know. But when you bring a trophy, he sometimes takes it and keeps it for himself. So, this is for you guys to take to the White House. And then you can say, 'President Trump, we want you to have this.' And he'll be so happy. You'll probably get an endowment and you'll be able to keep the real one," Kimmel said.

BASKETBALL LEGEND CANDACE PARKER TAKES AIM AT GENO AURIEMMA AFTER DAWN STALEY CONFRONTATION

Close laughed at Kimmel's joke, while the players lightly clapped their hands, exchanging light laughs.

Meanwhile, social media users criticized Kimmel for turning the sports interview into a Trump-focused rant.

"Even celebrating their championship he has to make it about himself and his hatred for Trump. What an a---hole," one X user wrote.

One X user mocked Kimmel, writing, "What will he do when Trump is out of office? Is the show cooked?"

Another X user wrote, "This is funny, but I dislike that he used them to smite the frump."

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

UCLA won its first women's basketball national championship in program history this past weekend, defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks, the team led by Dawn Staley that had reached the national title game three consecutive seasons and won it in 2024, in dominant fashion, 79-51.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

UCLA wins first women's basketball national title in program history with dominant win over South Carolina

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 18:09:00 -0400

For the first time in program history, the UCLA Bruins are the women’s basketball national champions.

The Bruins took down the South Carolina Gamecocks, the team led by Dawn Staley that had reached the national title game three consecutive seasons and won it in 2024, in dominant fashion, 79-51.

Staley’s squad did not look like it did against UConn in the Final Four, as they couldn’t figure things out offensively. A lot of that had to do with suffocating UCLA defense, but the Bruins weren’t having the same trouble when they had the ball in their hands.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

By the end of the third quarter, the Bruins had a whopping 29-point lead over the Gamecocks, 61-32, as UCLA held South Carolina to just 24% shooting from the floor compared to their 43%.

In the end, UCLA made 43% of its shots compared to South Carolina's 29%, which is always the goal for a team looking to win a title.

BASKETBALL LEGEND CANDACE PARKER TAKES AIM AT GENO AURIEMMA AFTER DAWN STALEY CONFRONTATION

It’s been a long time coming for Close, who has been leading the Bruins since the 2011-12 season. Last season marked the first time UCLA has been to the Final Four in the women’s NCAA Tournament as a program, though they fell to the UConn Huskies, 85-51.

This time, it was the Bruins getting the job done against Texas, 51-44, to secure a spot for the national title. Of course, it wasn’t expected to be an easy feat against the Gamecocks, who handled UConn, 62-48, which resulted in a now-viral exchange between Staley and Geno Auriemma at midcourt.

However, Close has the right formula, and the Bruins executed it to a tee on Sunday afternoon to be crowned champions.

All five starters for Close finished the game with double-digit points, with Gabriela Jaquez, the sister of ex-Bruins men’s basketball star and current Miami Heat guard Jaime Jaquez, leading the charge with 21 on 8-of-14 shooting. She also finished with a double-double after hauling in 10 rebounds.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Lauren Betts had herself a double-double, too, finishing the game with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Gianna Kneepkens (15 points, four assists), Charlisse Leger-Walker (10 points, four rebounds) and Kiki Rice (10 points, six rebounds, five assists) helped the Bruins keep the pace against the Gamecocks, who couldn’t get the game closer.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

South Carolina's Dawn Staley gives blunt response to Geno Auriemma confrontation

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 07:17:04 -0400

South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley is laser-focused on bringing home a fourth national championship in the last 10 years, even as questions mount about her heated confrontation with UConn’s Geno Auriemma.

Auriemma confronted Staley at halfcourt following the Gamecocks’ Final Four win on Friday night. Auriemma’s words appeared to enrage Staley before he walked off the court. He suggested he was upset with Staley since the pregame over a lack of handshake.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

She was asked about the incident on Saturday, and sidestepped the question.

"For me, no distractions at this time. I'm concentrating on winning a national championship, that’s it," Staley said. "That’s a little disheartening. This is sports, sometimes things like this happen. Continue to focus on my team and ability to advance in this tournament and hopefully win another national championship."

Auriemma released a statement on Saturday afternoon, apologizing for his behavior.

"There’s no excuse for how I handled the end of the game vs. South Carolina. It’s unlike what I do and what our standard is here at Connecticut," the Hall of Fame coach said in a statement on Saturday. "I want to apologize to the staff and the team at South Carolina. It was uncalled for in how I reacted. The story should be how well South Carolina played, and I don’t want my actions to detract from that. I’ve had a great relationship with their staff, and I sincerely want to apologize to them."

GENO AURIEMMA RELEASES STATEMENT AFTER SHOUTING MATCH WITH DAWN STALEY: 'UNLIKE WHAT I DO'

Staley said she was confused over what Auriemma was angry about.

"I have no idea," the South Carolina coach said after the game. "But I’m going to let you know this: I’m of integrity. I’m of integrity. So if I did something wrong to Geno, I had no idea what I did. I guess he thought I didn’t shake his hand at the beginning of the game. I didn’t know. I went down there pregame, shook everybody on his staff’s hand.

"I don’t know what he came with after the game, but, hey, sometimes things get heated. We move on."

The ESPN broadcast noted that Staley shook hands with Huskies staff members and players prior to tip-off. But NCAA policy states that, for the tournament, the two coaches are directed to meet at midcourt to shake hands after the starting lineups are announced.

Staley and Auriemma shook hands earlier in the pregame, but not after the introductions. It appeared to set off Auriemma.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

South Carolina will take on the UCLA Bruins for the women’s championship.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

UCF center scores at own basket in crushing blunder during team's first-round loss to UCLA

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 15:44:27 -0400

In March Madness, it often comes down to the little things, but for UCF center John Bol, his blunder was not a little thing. He scored at his own basket.

In the first half of No. 7 UCLA’s 75-71 win over No. 10 UCF Friday night at the Xfinity Mobile Arena, Bol tapped a rebound into his own basket.

With just under two minutes left in the first half and the shot clock winding down, UCLA guard Donovan Dent shot a desperation 3-pointer. Bol, instead of corralling Dent’s miss and turning the other way, tapped the ball into his basket to increase UCLA’s lead to 35-21.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The points were not credited to a UCLA player.

It was the beginning of a rough night for Bol, who went 0-5 from the free throw line with an unorthodox free throw motion. The 7-foot-2 center scored two points, contributing as many points to his own team as he did to the other team.

Bol’s own basket was not the only odd event during the game. UCLA guard Skyy Clark also lost a tooth during the game.

UCLA'S SKYY CLARK LOSES FRONT TOOTH IN MARCH MADNESS THRILLER TO HELP BRUINS SEAL FIRST-ROUND VICTORY

UCF made it close late, erasing a double-digit deficit from the first half, but was not able to cap the comeback, adding more significance to Bol’s own basket.

Jordan Burks led UCF in the loss with 22 points and six rebounds. Jamichael Stillwell (10 points), Themus Fulks (10 points) and Riley Kugel (13 points) were the only other players to score in double figures in the loss.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Eric Dailey Jr. led the Bruins with 20 points and five rebounds, while Trent Perry and Xavier Booker each had 15 points in the win.

UCLA will play No. 2 seed UConn in the Round of 32 Sunday at 8:45 p.m. ET.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

UCLA's Skyy Clark loses front tooth in March Madness thriller, helps Bruins seal first-round victory

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 13:10:35 -0400

UCLA guard Skyy Clark has a new smile he’s showing off after the Bruins’ 75-71 victory over UCF Friday night.

The California native and senior lost a front tooth during UCLA’s first-round game in the men’s NCAA Tournament after he caught a stray elbow from UCF’s Themus Fulks when the pair dove for a loose ball late in the second half.

The accidental contact knocked out half of one of Clark’s front teeth, an ugly scene captured on the CBS broadcast.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"It definitely hurt," Clark said after the game. "I have a little lisp going on."

As Clark was being examined by the team’s staff, UCLA walk-on Jack Seidler jumped into action to find the missing tooth.

"Somebody’s got to get it, somebody’s got to get it," Seidler recalled.

TALLEST COLLEGE BASKETBALL PLAYER EVER TOWERS OVER 6-FOOT-8 OPPONENT IN VIRAL MARCH MADNESS MOMENT

The broadcast showed Seidler picking up what was left of Clark’s tooth, which he said resulted in his cellphone blowing up with reactions to his heroics. For Seidler, the real star was Clark, who returned to play shortly after the incident.

"That’s toughness right there," he said. "Losing half a tooth and coming back into the game to help us get the win."

Clark, who has averaged 10 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.1 steals throughout his collegiate career, returned and hit a free throw with seconds remaining to secure the Bruins’ victory.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"He looked so good in the locker room," head coach Mick Cronin said after the game. "Looks like a boxer. Keep trying to talk to these guys about my old days. He just looked tough. Looks tough. In the locker room, smiling. There’s blood."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

CBS News chief Bari Weiss backs out of UCLA lecture due to security concerns

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:30:48 -0500

CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss pulled out of a speaking engagement at UCLA due to security concerns.

"We always follow our security team’s guidance. This situation is no different," a CBS News spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

Weiss was slated to speak at the annual Daniel Pearl Memorial Lecture at the UCLA Burkle Center for International Relations. The lecture honors the memory of slain Jewish journalist Daniel Pearl, who was kidnapped and beheaded by Pakistani jihadist terrorists in 2002.

"We are working with the university to reschedule for a different date," the network spokesperson added.

CBS NEWS LEADERSHIP ‘BLINDSIDED’ BY ANDERSON COOPER'S EXIT: REPORT

Steve Lurie, UCLA's associate vice chancellor and chief safety officer, told Fox News Digital the university had a "comprehensive security plan" in preparation for Weiss' visit, which was initially scheduled for Feb. 27.

"The decision not to move forward with the annual Daniel Pearl Memorial Lecture was made by the speaker’s team, not UCLA," Lurie said. "The university was ready to implement a comprehensive security plan for this event, developed in coordination with campus safety and external law enforcement partners. UCLA remains committed to supporting public programming, which represents a wide range of viewpoints, with safety planning tailored to each event."

Weiss' invitation did receive resistance on campus. UCLA's Daily Bruin school newspaper reported a petition calling for the event's cancellation collected "nearly 11,000 signatures."

BARI WEISS TELLS CBS NEWS STAFF THEY'RE ‘NOT PRODUCING A PRODUCT THAT ENOUGH PEOPLE WANT’

The newly appointed CBS News chief has emerged as a top target of the far left, who, like The Daily Beast, accuse her of being "MAGA-curious" despite her outspoken left-of-center politics.

The decisions made by Weiss, tasked by new Paramount owner David Ellison to revive the perpetually third-place network, have been under tense microscope, from her appointing Tony Dokoupil to anchor "CBS Evening News" to her decision to hold a "60 Minutes" report she deemed was not ready for air.

'60 MINUTES' REPORTER LASHES OUT AT BARI WEISS AFTER SEGMENT ON EL SALVADOR PRISON YANKED AT LAST MINUTE

In December, Weiss pulled a segment from "60 Minutes" correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi on the Center for Confinement of Terrorism (CECOT) shortly before it was set to air. Alfonsi defiantly told colleagues she believed it was a political decision, while Weiss sought to include voices from the Trump administration.

The segment ultimately aired in January, but Weiss and CBS News faced heavy blowback from liberal critics.

UCLA coach ejects own player mid-game after hard foul against Michigan State

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 12:50:03 -0500

Normally, when a player gets ejected in a college basketball game, it comes from the referees, not the head coach.

UCLA center Steven Jamerson II got ejected by his head coach, Mick Cronin, after committing a hard foul with the Bruins down 27 with 4:26 left in the second half of their 82-59 loss on Tuesday at the Breslin Center.

Michigan State’s Carson Cooper appeared to have an easy breakaway layup, but Jamerson swatted him from behind, and Cooper went down. Cooper got up and immediately got in Jamerson’s face before the two were separated.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Upon the two players being separated, Cronin was irate and hailed Jamerson over the UCLA bench. The 54-year-old head coach ushered Jamerson — even tugging the center by the jersey — down the bench and pointed him to the locker room.

Jamerson, accompanied by UCLA trainer Dave Andrews, eventually jogged off to the locker room. The redshirt senior initially enrolled at Michigan State as a freshman before transferring to the University of San Diego.

MIKAELA SHIFFRIN CAPTURES GOLD MEDAL WITH INCREDIBLE SLALOM PERFORMANCE AT WINTER GAMES

The Michigan State fans waved goodbye to Jamerson as he departed the court. Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo said he had never seen a coach eject his own player before.

"I guess (Cronin) upgraded that to a flagrant two," Spartans head coach Tom Izzo joked, according to FOX Sports. "That's the first time I saw a coach do it. But that sounds like Mick, so he'll get that straightened out."

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Prior to UCLA’s 23-point loss against Michigan State, the Bruins lost to top-ranked Michigan by 30. They have lost two straight games after winning five of their previous six.

For the Spartans, the blowout win was a needed one, as they had lost three of their last four games.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Former NBA player and ex-UCLA star eyes return to college basketball amid NCAA scrutiny: 'Why not me?'

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 13:56:58 -0500

Former UCLA college basketball player Amari Bailey is trying to make history as the first player to play in the NBA and return to play college basketball.

Bailey, 21, is prepared to fight for his NCAA eligibility and join a college team after hiring an agent and a lawyer.

"Right now I'd be a senior in college," Bailey told ESPN. "I'm not trying to be 27 years old playing college athletics. No shade to the guys that do; that's their journey. But I went to go play professionally and learned a lot, went through a lot. So, like, why not me?"

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Bailey spent one season with the Bruins in 2022-23, and averaged 11.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 30 games. He was named to the 2022-23 Pac-12 All-Freshman and the 2023 All-Pac-12 Tournament teams.

He declared for the NBA Draft after the season and was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft. Bailey appeared in 10 games for the Hornets in the 2023-24 season, averaging 2.3 points per game.

Bailey was then cut and spent the last two seasons in the G League. Bailey started to consider a return to college basketball in 2025 but has pondered a possible return to the NCAA after he was drafted in 2023, according to the report.

PGA TOUR STAR JUSTIN THOMAS RIPS NCAA FOR CURRENT STATE OF COLLEGE SPORTS

Bailey said he left UCLA with "a lot to prove left on the table" and that he made mistakes as an 18-year-old, according to ESPN.

The Alabama men’s basketball team recently added former standout Charles Bediako to the roster after he declared for the NBA Draft in 2023. Bediako played at Alabama for two seasons and was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team in his first season and to the SEC All-Defensive Team in his second season.

After two seasons, he entered the NBA Draft, forgoing his remaining eligibility. He went undrafted and signed a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs. The 23-year-old never played in the NBA but did play for their G League affiliate. Over the next two seasons, he played for the Denver Nuggets and Detroit Pistons’ G League affiliates.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Bediako tried to rejoin Alabama, arguing he had eligibility remaining, but he was denied by the school. After being denied by the school, Bediako sued the NCAA for denying his request and was granted a temporary restraining order that allows him to play for 10 days.

Bediako has since played two games for the Crimson Tide despite strong opposition from coaches.

NCAA President Charlie Baker said in December that any player who signed an NBA contract would not be granted collegiate eligibility.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

UCLA women’s basketball coach instilling community impact amid college sports changes

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 10:27:15 -0500

Women's college basketball has had to take a back seat to the new era of college sports, yet reaped all the downsides of what many believe has become the Wild, Wild West.

Football, with a touch of men's basketball, was the launchpad for conference realignment. Certainly, those who committed to UCLA to play women's basketball just three years ago didn't have playing about half their games east of the Mississippi on their bingo card.

But just like football and men's basketball, women's basketball players have fallen victim to potentially chasing the NIL money.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"The day after we got off the plane to the Final Four, we had six kids leave our program," UCLA women's basketball coach Cori Close said in a recent interview with Fox News. "And I'm a believer that there are really reasons to transfer. So I'm not at all implying that every kid is chasing the money. That's not the case. But I do believe that it is making it easier and incentivizing kids to chase the wrong things."

That's why Close tries to exemplify making a mark in the Southern California community. UCLA and Close partnered with Wescom Financial to support the Wescom Foundation’s wildfire relief initiative, erasing $10 million in debt for individuals impacted by the 2025 Southern California wildfires in Altadena and the Pacific Palisades.

During games this season, Close has hosted some of the debt relief recipients, meeting with them and hearing their stories of how they were impacted by the wildfires.

"It's one of those things that really was a no-brainer. It just was the kind of thing that I want to be a part of, I want to learn from, I want to be better at. And so when the opportunity came to partner with Wescom Financial and to do something with such significance and importance, it really was a no-brainier," Close said.

AUBURN FANS SHOWER OFFICIALS WITH DEBRIS AFTER WILD BUZZER-BEATER GETS OVERTURNED

Close admitted that it is not easy to get her players involved in the community, considering they are trying to win a national championship on the court and build their brands off it. But Close mentioned that her team leads the NCAA in assists per game, and she tries to instill assistance others both on and off the floor.

"When you see it as like, how can I add value to somebody else? How can I make someone else better? And you get great purpose and meaning from that, you know, I think it makes us better people, but I also think it makes us a better basketball team too," Close said.

Close said she had numerous locals reach out to her throughout last year in thanks, as watching or going to a Bruins game made them forget about their harsh new realities from the fires. She said the love was actually able to take pressure off the players to perform as they fight for a national title.

"Whenever you feel pressure, you've probably forgotten your why. And so people don't burn up from things because they're doing too much. They burn out because they lose track of their why. And so, actually, it was probably one of the best things that could have happened to us from a pressure standpoint, because you're always knowing that someone else is dealing with stuff a whole lot harder than you're dealing with the basketball game," Close said.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

"I just go, you know what? We get to be an inspiration to others. We get to bring joy to somebody else. We get to bring a bag of clothes to a person who was doing their documentary on us that lost her house. We get to bring her a big duffel bag of clothes. We got to be a part of that."

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Pro Football Hall of Famer Troy Aikman critiques NIL landscape, transfer rules and Lane Kiffin’s LSU move

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 20:22:27 -0500

For the past couple of decades, former NFL star quarterback and Pro Football Hall of Famer Troy Aikman has shared his thoughts on what he’s seen during whichever game he and his longtime broadcast partner are calling.

The three-time Super Bowl winner is part of the "Monday Night Football" broadcast crew. Aikman has routinely given his take on a variety of football-related topics, from the state of NFL officiating to college football.

Some of Aikman’s latest thoughts about the college game centered on the growing number of players who have taken advantage of the transfer portal in today’s polarizing NIL landscape.

The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and many others have referred to the state of today's sport at the collegiate level as the "Wild West."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"College football has become the Wild West, as everybody knows. Forget about Lane Kiffin for a minute, but starting with NIL, there just has been no guardrails. I’m on the National Football Foundation Board, so I hear firsthand from a lot of the commissioners and athletic directors and the people involved in all of that. It’s gotta get cleaned up, first and foremost," Aikman told The Athletic.

When asked about student-athletes’ mobility in today’s world, Aikman reflected on his personal choices during his time competing at the NCAA level.

NFL GREAT TROY AIKMAN FIRES BACK AT JERRY JONES' TRADE PLAN AMID LOSING EFFORT: 'HE MAY WANT TO CANCEL'

"I was a transfer. I went from Oklahoma to UCLA, and I’ve always felt that if a coach is able to pick up and leave, that a player should have the same opportunity if a coach leaves," he continued.

"What’s happened obviously over the years since I got out of college football is that, in recent years with NIL, there’s been no accountability on the players," Aikman continued. "So, the players pick up, and now they’re leaving all the time whereas before it was typically the coach. The player used to have to sit out a year. Now, the players can up and go regardless of whether or not they’ve been paid. It’s every man for himself."

Aikman then dived into another college football hot topic — Lane Kiffin’s decision to leave Ole Miss in favor of LSU. The NFL analyst gave his best guess on what fueled Kiffin to make the leap.

"Lane Kiffin’s motivation? Is it his thoughts that it’s a better opportunity for him at LSU? Possibly. Is it money? Possibly. Is it lifestyle? Possibly. I can’t answer any of those questions.

"But whatever his motivation is, he feels like LSU is the right place for him. So, I don’t fault him for that at all. I know there’s always hard feelings. Ole Miss did not want to lose Lane Kiffin," he said. "Once he made the decision to leave, now he’s a pariah. Let’s get this guy just as far away from us as we can. I understand that as well. Everybody gets a little bit jaded."

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Aikman concluded that those in positions of power should ultimately take charge and focus on getting things in order.

"Where I’m at is I think there’s gotta be some leadership at the very top that kind of cleans all of this up. Starting with players that accept money, there’s gotta be some accountability and responsibility on their behalf to have to stick with a program," Aikman said.

"I gave money to a kid. I won’t mention who. I’ve done it one time at UCLA. Never met the young man. He was there a year. He left after the year. I wrote a sizable check, and he went to another school. I didn’t even get so much as a thank-you note."

Aikman is scheduled to be on the call for a Week 15 matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins Dec. 15.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Maya Brady, niece of legendary NFL QB, goes No 1 in pro softball league's expansion draft

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 08:03:46 -0500

Top-tier athletes run in the Brady family as the niece of the legendary NFL quarterback reached an achievement that her uncle never did – go No. 1 in a professional sports draft.

Maya Brady was selected No. 1 overall in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League’s expansion and allocation drafts on Monday. The Oklahoma City Spark chose the former UCLA Bruins star shortstop. Brady’s mother is Maureen Brady, the sister of Tom Brady. Her mother was also a star softball player for the Fresno State Bulldogs.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Brady was a superstar when she was with the Bruins. She was a two-time Pac-12 Player of the Year Award winner, two-time USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year finalist and a three-time First Team National Fastpitch Coaches Association First Team All-American.

She wrapped her collegiate career in 2024, finishing second all-time in the program in home runs (71), RBI (246) and slugging percentage (.757).

Being in the Brady family may come with a certain kind of pressure, but in an interview with The Athletic, she suggested that she understood that pressure makes diamonds.

TOM BRADY GETS SENTIMENTAL AFTER 'SPECIAL THANKSGIVING WEEKEND' FILLED WITH FAMILY AND FOOTBALL

"For me, knowing that my family is very successful, I think it puts a lot of good pressure on me," she said in 2021. "It’s not pressure like ... I’m going to put shame on the Brady family name. It’s just good pressure. I love bearing the last name. I’m just really proud of it."

The Cascade took former Oklahoma Sooners pitcher Sam Landry No. 2 and then followed up with former Oklahoma State Cowgirls pitcher Kelly Maxwell as the top pick in the allocation draft.

Former Sooner slugger Jocelyn Alo went to the Bandits at No. 10 in the allocation draft.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The AUSL was founded in 2024. The Talons defeated the Bandits in the 2025 championship earlier this year. The league has six teams in total.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Tennessee women's basketball star, UCLA coach share tense moment in handshake line

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 13:10:55 -0500

Tennessee Lady Volunteers women’s basketball forward Janiah Barker had an icy moment in the handshake line with UCLA Bruins head coach Cori Close after Sunday’s game.

Barker led the No. 14 Lady Vols with 25 points in 27 minutes. The No. 3 Bruins managed to pick up the 22-point victory, 99-77.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

As the broadcast tuned into the players and coaches giving each other handshakes for a moment of good sportsmanship, Barker pulled her hand away from Close and continued to walk down the line. Close put her hands up and shrugged off the moment.

Barker transferred from UCLA to Tennessee after only one year in Southern California. She appeared in 36 games, making three starts. She averaged 7.4 points and 6 rebounds per game.

She reacted to the moment on social media, saying she had no ill-will toward Close.

NORTH CAROLINA'S CALEB WILSON DUNKS ON 6-FOOT-11 DEFENDER

"Respect! We shook hands. I wish nothing but the best for Coach (Cori) and my UCLA fam," she wrote on X.

Close also shared the same sentiments as it appeared the handshake-line incident was an anomaly.

"Outside of this game, I want to wish Janiah Barker nothing but the best. I think she is a spectacular player, she gave us a lot on the court, off the court. And I just want to make sure that I say I wish her nothing but the best the rest of the way through," she said, via Sports Illustrated.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

UCLA moved to 8-1 on the year. Tennessee fell to 5-2.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

NFL Hall of Famer Kenny Easley dies at 66

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 18:21:32 -0500

Former Seattle Seahawks safety Kenny Easley has died at the age of 66, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced Saturday.

Easley's family said he died Friday night and did not provide a cause of death.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Seahawks legend Kenny Easley," the Seahawks said in a statement. "Kenny embodied what it meant to be a Seahawk through his leadership, toughness, intensity and fearlessness. His intimidating nature and athletic grace made him one of the best players of all time."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The Seahawks drafted Easley out of UCLA with the No. 4 overall pick in 1981, and the safety became a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro player in seven seasons in Seattle, where he spent his entire career.

In 1984, Easley led the league with 10 interceptions and was named defensive player of the year by The Associated Press. He was the first player in franchise history to be named Defensive Player of the Year.

His career ended after the 1987 season when he was traded to the Cardinals, partly due to a kidney ailment that shortened his NFL career. He failed his physical and never played another down in the NFL.

Easley believed the Seahawks knew of the kidney condition and didn’t disclose it to him. The Seahawks and Easley started to reconcile in 2002 when Paul Allen was the team owner, which coincided with Easley being inducted into the team's ring of honor that fall.

RAIDERS LEGEND GEORGE ATKINSON DEAD AT 78

Easley finished his career with 32 interceptions, which is tied for fourth most in franchise history, and 11 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and eight sacks.

At UCLA, Easley starred at free safety under coach Terry Donahue from 1977-1980. He made an immediate impact with the Bruins, joining the starting lineup as a true freshman and becoming the first player in Pac-10 history named to four first-team All-Conference teams.

He was just the second player in program history to be voted a three-time consensus All-American.

Easley still holds the UCLA record with 19 career interceptions, including 13 during his first two seasons. He ranks fifth on UCLA’s all-time tackles list with 374, with his 93 stops in 1977 representing the most by a Bruin true freshman.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Easley totaled 105 tackles during the 1980 campaign, after which he finished ninth in Heisman Trophy voting. He also returned punts during his time at UCLA. His No. 5 jersey was retired by the university.

He is survived by his wife, Gail, and their three children — son Kendrick and daughters Gabrielle Manhertz and Giordanna.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Rose Bowl files lawsuit against UCLA for allegedly trying to move games out of historic stadium

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 16:20:02 -0400

The city of Pasadena, California, and the Rose Bowl Operating Company have reportedly sued UCLA for allegedly trying to move its college football games from one of the sport's most iconic stadiums to the much newer SoFi Stadium.

The Los Angeles Times reported that the suit claims the university is "profoundly" betraying its trust by attempting to relocate its home games from the site the Bruins have called home for 43 years to the home of the NFL's Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers.

The Times reported UCLA’s outside counsel, David L. Schrader, sent a letter to Pasadena attorney Nima Mohebbi in March, saying the school’s efforts to conduct "preliminary discussions" about relocating games did not constitute a "material breach" of its contract.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"This lawsuit arises in an era when money too often eclipses meaning and the pursuit of profit threatens to erase the very traditions that breathe life into institutions," the suit claims. "Some commitments are too fundamental to be traded away."

"The City expects UCLA will honor the terms of the [lease] agreement, and the City Council will do everything in its power to protect and defend the City's contractual rights," the city of Pasadena said in a statement to ESPN on Thursday.

"The City of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl Stadium, steadfast partners to UCLA for more than four decades, are extremely disappointed with UCLA's attempt to terminate the lease.

ESPN STAR SLAMS LOUISIANA GOV OVER SUPPORT FOR ERECTING CHARLIE KIRK STATUE ON LSU CAMPUS

"The Rose Bowl has acted with transparency and integrity, not only fulfilling but exceeding its obligations under the lease agreement, investing significant time, effort, and financial resources into the partnership with UCLA, including ongoing major renovation work," the statement continued. "The potential economic and reputational damage of UCLA's attempt to break its lease is significant to the Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena residents, and the local and regional economy."

UCLA's current lease runs through 2044, but the stadium is 26 miles from campus, while SoFi Stadium, which opened in 2020, is about 12 miles away.

The Bruins (3-5, 3-2 Big Ten) have struggled with attendance in recent years. UCLA's average attendance for its four home games is roughly 35,000. The stadium has a capacity of more than 89,000. SoFi Stadium's capacity is about 20,000 fewer.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The school left the Pac-12 for the Big Ten last year along with USC, Washington and Oregon.

Rose Bowl Stadium is best known for hosting the Rose Bowl since 1922, in all but two years because of World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Penn State's James Franklin faces scrutiny following bad loss to UCLA

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 11:57:39 -0400

The Penn State Nittany Lions suffered a humiliating 42-37 loss at the hands of the winless UCLA Bruins on Saturday.

The defeat marked the second straight loss for the seemingly reeling Nittany Lions. Penn State came up short against Oregon last week, and the second loss of the season hampered their chances of making the College Football Playoff with a tough road ahead of them.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Penn State head coach James Franklin came under scrutiny from fans after the loss.

UCLA used all the tricks it had in its bag to throw Penn State off guard early. Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava led a touchdown drive to open the game. Then, the Bruins recovered a surprise onside kick, which eventually led to a field goal.

OKLAHOMA WIDE RECEIVER KEONTEZ LEWIS CRASHES INTO BRICK WALL IN SCARY MOMENT VS KENT STATE

It was only tougher from there.

"The opening sequence of the game for a touchdown, then the surprise onside kick. We talked all week long that they could take significant risks all game," Franklin said. "Those were two significant drives and plays. From that point on, we were battling. We made a ton of mistakes we don’t normally make and had penalties at critical times. Things we don’t do and haven’t done for a very long time."

Penn State will go up against Northwestern next week – the Wildcats are 3-2 this season as well. The team then hits the road for Iowa and No. 1 Ohio State. The hellish streak ends with No. 8 Indiana coming into Happy Valley.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Even with the tough journey ahead, quarterback Drew Allar said he still believed the team could make the College Football Playoff.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

UCLA quarterback Pierce Clarkson arrested on felony charge, suspended from team indefinitely

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 12:07:28 -0400

UCLA backup quarterback Pierce Clarkson was arrested on an unspecified felony charge in California last week and was subsequently suspended from the team, according to online records and school officials.

Clarkson, 21, was arrested Friday by Los Angeles police and faces a felony charge, according to online jail records from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. His bail was set at $30,000, and he was released later that day after posting bond.

While the nature of his charge was not available in online records, the Los Angeles Times reported that he was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon causing great bodily injury.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The weapon was not a firearm, a police spokesperson told the Los Angeles Times.

The University of California athletics department released a statement confirming Clarkson’s suspension from the team pending "the outcome of the legal process."

START STREAMING WITH A 7-DAY FREE TRIAL AT FOXONE.COM OR DOWNLOAD THE FOX ONE APP ON YOUR FAVORITE DEVICE

"We are aware of the charges against Pierce Clarkson," the statement read. "He has been indefinitely suspended from all team activity pending the outcome of the legal process. This situation will be evaluated by the UCLA Office of Student Conduct and any further action taken will be in accordance with that evaluation and University policy."

D1 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYER BOOTED AFTER ALLEGEDLY STEALING DUFFEL WITH ROLEX, CASH AND LUXURY GEAR FROM BOAT

Clarkson is in his first season with the Bruins. He previously played two seasons at Louisville as a backup quarterback, where he went 4-for-6 for 18 total yards and nine rushing yards on five attempts in three appearances.

Before signing with UCLA, Clarkson was at Ole Miss during spring 2025.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Clarkson is from Bellflower, California. He is the son of well-known quarterback trainer Steve Clarkson. He has yet to play for the Bruins this season. He is due back in court next month.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

LiAngelo Ball files for divorce from 3-month marriage days after wife reveals pregnancy

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:02:25 -0400

LiAngelo Ball and his pregnant wife are reportedly calling it quits after just over three months of marriage.

Ball, according to TMZ, cited "irreconcilable differences" in divorce papers from influencer Rashida Nicole.

The news of the filing, which came on July 3, comes just days after Nicole revealed she was pregnant. Documents, TMZ said, read that their date of marriage was March 24, and they separated on June 15.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"Wish I had all the right words to describe this journey, but I guess if I had to define it, all I can truly say is: I’m grateful, terrified, anxious, nauseous,HANGRY, all of [the] above," Rashida wrote in her post revealing her pregnancy.

"As a teen mom, I was always hesitant about going thru pregnancy and parenthood again. (Iykyk) I want to thank my daughter for being here for me during this process, always demonstrating unconditional LOVE & reassuring me that, "Everything is alright!" And for now…I choose to protect my peace and this beautiful energy."

Ball commented on the post with heart and keylock emojis.

RAMS' DAVANTE ADAMS SAYS LEBRON JAMES WOULD HAVE BEEN ONE OF THE BEST WIDE RECEIVERS IN NFL HISTORY

Ball has two children from another relationship with Nikki Mudarris, who claimed that the former basketball player turned rapper left them shortly after their second child was born.

"We spent 3 1/2 years together, and last week he decided to walk out on his kids and tell me he got someone else pregnant (allegedly) and now is creating a new life with her," Mudarris once said on Instagram.

Ball played college basketball at UCLA but went undrafted, unlike his brothers Lonzo and LaMelo, who were drafted second in 2017 and third in 2020, respectively. He played for his LaMelo's Charlotte Hornets' G-League affiliate from 2021-2023 but never appeared in an NBA game.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Earlier this year, Ball released his hit song, "Tweaker," which Lil Wayne eventually remixed.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Tennessee softball escapes WCWS elimination game with win over UCLA despite controversial game-tying homer

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 19:31:17 -0400

Controversy struck the Women’s College World Series (WCWS) during an elimination game between UCLA and Tennessee on Sunday.

Bruins first baseman Megan Grant came up to the plate with two outs and a runner on first and crushed a pitch off Volunteers pitcher Karlyn Pickens to tie the game, or so everyone thought.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Grant rounded third and headed for home to celebrate with her teammates. She didn’t appear to touch home plate and a teammate needed to bring her back to make sure she did.

Tennessee challenged the run and umpires reviewed it to see whether she touched home plate and whether she was "assisted" back to make sure she definitely made contact with it. College softball rules specify that a runner cannot be physically assisted by a teammate to touch the plate.

"After review, the call on the field is upheld and the run will score," the umpire announced. "The runner did miss home plate and was assisted. However, that play is not reviewable, according to Appendix G."

Appendix G in the NCAA softball rulebook determines what is reviewable.

TRAILER FOR 'COLLEGE FOOTBALL 26' RELEASED, WITH GAME TO INCLUDE REAL-LIFE COACHES

It was a huge break for the Bruins as they were able to extend the game.

Tennessee came up in the bottom of the ninth and pushed one run across the plate to win the game, 5-4. Infielder Laura Mealer singled home Taylor Pannell to win it.

The Volunteers now move onto the next round and UCLA goes home. Tennessee faces Texas in the semifinals on Monday. They need to beat the Longhorns twice to move to the championship.

UCLA’s Sofia Mujica and Alexis Ramirez each hit home runs for the Bruins in the loss.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Pickens pitched all nine innings for the Volunteers and struck out seven batters.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Nico Iamaleava's brother Madden Iamaleava thrown into NIL buyout crosshairs after also switching to UCLA

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 19:37:07 -0400

Nearly two weeks have passed since Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel announced Nico Iamaleava would not return to the Volunteers next season.

Shortly after the announcement, the quarterback revealed he was transferring to UCLA for the 2025 season.

The new Bruins quarterback now appears to have a potential backup he's familiar with.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Madden Iamaleava, Nico's brother, is also reportedly heading to Los Angeles. On3 reported the younger Iamaleava intends to switch his commitment from Arkansas to UCLA.

UCLA QUARTERBACK JOEY AGUILAR TRANSFERS TO TENNESSEE AFTER NICO IAMALEAVA'S MOVE FROM VOLS TO BRUINS: REPORT

Nico was slotted by 247 Sports at No. 22 among 2025 high school quarterbacks as a four-star recruit. But Iamaleava's decision against suiting up for Arkansas could have serious ramifications.

According to Front Office Sports, Arkanas' name, image and likeness (NIL) collective issued a pair of demand letters to players requesting the fulfillment of buyout clauses.

"Arkansas’s NIL collective has sent two demand letters to players asking to fulfill buyout clauses, source tells Front Office Sports," a reporter from the outlet wrote on X. "The AD’s comments yesterday were referring to multiple players who left before NIL contracts expired, including Madden Iamaleava."

Arkansas is seeking an estimated $200,000 from Madden Iamaleava, according to the report.

Heupel said Nico's decision to skip practice during his name, image and likeness (NIL) contract negotiations with Tennessee led to the split.

Nico Iamaleava was making $2.4 million on an NIL contract. But when he signed it, it was reported to be worth an estimated $8 million. Iamaleava received the initial payment when he was still enrolled in high school. ESPN reported the total value of the deal could have reached nearly $10 million.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Iamaleava finished the 2024 season with the Volunteers with 2,616 passing yards and 19 touchdowns against five interceptions.

UCLA finished the 2024 campaign with a disappointing 5-7 record after the Bruins' first season in the Big Ten Conference.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

UCLA quarterback Joey Aguilar transfers to Tennessee after Nico Iamaleava's move from Vols to Bruins: report

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 21:25:56 -0400

A day after Nico Iamaleava announced his decision to leave Tennessee for UCLA, it appears that a quarterback "trade" has been completed.

Joey Aguilar, who joined the Bruins through the winter portal, will now be headed to Knoxville and joining the Volunteers, ESPN reports.

Iamaleava's saga was highly-publicized, as it stemmed from a reported rift with Tennessee over NIL negotiations.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

ESPN reported that Iamaleava was seeking a deal worth $4 million for next season with Tennessee, which he led to the College Football Playoff last season. He reportedly felt he deserved what other quarterbacks who transferred were getting, including Carson Beck, who left the Georgia Bulldogs to join the Miami Hurricanes.

Iamaleava's NIL drama with the Vols sent shock waves through college football because he became the first-ever college player to hold out from a program for a bigger payout. His deal was reportedly worth up to $10 million over multiple seasons, and he was set to make $2.4 million this upcoming season, during which he could set himself up as a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Nic Iamaleava, Nico's father, denied his son was pushing for more NIL money before the season, telling Front Office Sports this past Monday, "The narrative was bulls---."

Aguilar played last season at Appalachian State and made his move earlier in the offseason. But, Iamaleava confirmed on Sunday he was headed to UCLA, forcing Aguilar's hand.

With one more year of eligibility, Aguilar has thrown for 6,760 yards and 56 touchdowns in his last two seasons.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Iamaleava threw for 2,616 yards with 19 touchdowns last season. Tennessee earned a College Football Playoff spot but fell to Ohio State and saw their national title hopes crushed.

Fox News' Scott Thompson contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Nico Iamaleava announces transfer to UCLA in social media post, admits decision was 'incredibly difficult'

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 17:53:58 -0400

Nico Iamaleava has a new team, as he confirmed on social media that he will be heading to UCLA in the transfer portal.

Before making the announcement, the UCLA coaching staff reportedly told its quarterbacks that the former Tennessee Volunteers signal-caller is expected to transfer to the Bruins, per ESPN.

UCLA has been connected to Iamaleava since he entered the transfer portal after a reported rift with Tennessee over NIL negotiations.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"My journey at UT has come to an end," he wrote in an Instagram post. "This decision was incredibly difficult, and truthfully, not something I expected to make this soon. But I trust God's timing, and I believe He's leading me where I need to be.

"Even though this chapter is ending, a new chapter has begun and I am committed to UCLA!"

NICO IAMALEAVA COULD LOSE MILLIONS WITH NEW TEAM AFTER TENNESSEE NIL DRAMA: REPORT

Iamaleava also touched on his faith before explaining his decision.

"First and foremost, I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for His grace, for continuing to bless my family, and for allowing me to live out my passion each and every day," he wrote.

Drama surrounded Iamaleava and Tennessee, the latter of which stood firm against the former’s alleged NIL demands as Iamaleava’s father, Nic, had been publicly denying that his son was leaving the program for financial reasons.

Nic Iamaleava, Nico's father, denied his son was pushing for more NIL money before the season, telling Front Office Sports this past Monday, "The narrative was bulls---."

Vols head coach Josh Heupel's comments on the matter appeared to confirm Iamaleava was left off Saturday's spring game roster due to a financial rift.

"No one is ever bigger than the program," Heupel said while thanking Iamaleava for his services to the team. "That includes me, too."

"To the amazing people in Knoxville, thank you for embracing and uplifting me throughout my time there," Iamaleava wrote about his time with Tennessee. "I’ll be forever thankful for the support you showed me every step of the way and I’ll always cherish the relationships I built there and the memories I created with my brothers. I believe with all my heart that I gave my all as a Volunteer. I’m truly grateful for the time I had at UT."

Now heading to UCLA, Iamaleava goes back to Southern California, where he emerged as a five-star prospect out of Long Beach. He was recruited by UCLA out of high school, and his younger brother, Madden, previously committed to the Bruins before signing with Arkansas.

DeShaun Foster, heading into his second year as head coach, gets a major upgrade at the most important position on the field.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Iamaleava threw for 2,616 yards with 19 touchdowns last season. Tennessee earned a College Football Playoff spot but fell to Ohio State and saw their national title hopes crushed.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

UCLA star Maya Brady agrees to join upstart Athletes Unlimited Softball League: report

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 21:16:20 -0500

UCLA softball shortstop Maya Brady has committed to playing in the new Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), ESPN reported.

Adding a player of Brady's caliber and star power is expected to provide a boost to the upstart league that will conduct its inaugural draft this week.

The 23-year-old is the niece of seven-time Super Bowl winner and current FOX Sports lead NFL analyst Tom Brady.

SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE

The left-handed UCLA Bruin also plays in the outfield and has received first-team All-American honors twice. Brady was also previously named the Pac-12 Player of the Year and was the Softball America Freshman of the Year in 2020.

UCLA has long boasted one of the top softball programs in the nation, and Brady ranks second on the school's all-time home run list.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Former Miami Marlins general manager Kim Ng is spearheading AUSL and was named a senior advisor last year. Ng has said the league will be "Major League Baseball for softball."

The league will feature four teams playing 30 games in six to eight cities in its first season.

The Bandits, Blaze, Volts and Talons will be the league's original four teams.

"Softball is poised for tremendous growth at the professional level, and the AUSL is meeting the moment by creating the action-packed, world-class softball league that this sport has deserved for so long," Ng said.

"The caliber of players vying to be drafted tomorrow — Olympians, Team USA veterans, All-Americans and NCAA champions — further exemplifies that the world's best players are here together as a unit of founding members who will make the AUSL the next big thing in women's sports."

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Brady hit 71 home runs with 246 RBIs in 249 games at UCLA.

Last summer, two different four-team softball leagues held games, Women's Professional Fastpitch and Association of Fastpitch Professionals.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Gymnast in Jordan Chiles' Olympic medal drama joins rival college team amid court battle over rightful winner

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 16:43:49 -0500

NCAA gymnastics is getting a dose of international drama next year.

Romanian Olympic medalist Ana Barbosu announced her commitment to Stanford on Wednesday.

"It feels almost surreal to announce that I’ve been accepted to Stanford University!" she wrote in a statement. "Can’t wait to join this amazing family! Go Card!"

Barbosu will now compete right up the coast from American gymnast Jordan Chiles, who goes to UCLA. Stanford and UCLA are historic rivals in college sports, as they were flagship schools in the Pac-12 before the conference saw a mass exodus of programs last season.

UCLA is now in its inaugural season in the Big Ten, while Stanford has joined the ACC. However, the two gymnastics programs still compete against each other, as they have a meeting scheduled this season for March, and will likely continue to face each other in the future.

With Chiles still set to compete for UCLA in 2026, any potential matchup vs. Stanford will pit the two gymnasts against each other after they were at the center of a global controversy over the rightful winner of a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Chiles is currently engaged in a court battle over the medal.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

At the end of the floor exercise final at the summer games in August, Barbosu clinched third place and a spot on the podium after judging initially finished. Barbosu was visibly thrilled when she saw the final scores.

But then, a U.S. coach spoke to the judges and appealed the scoring on one of Chiles' moves. After review, Chiles' score was bumped up, putting the American in third place, and leaving Barbosu off the podium. When Barbosu looked up and saw the scoring change on the board, she dropped the Romanian flag she was holding, covered her face with her hands and walked away in tears.

Chiles went on to accept the bronze medal and join her U.S. teammate Simone Biles and the gold-medal winner Brazilian Rebeca Andrade on the podium.

But days later on Aug. 10, it was announced that the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that the judging panel had improperly granted an inquiry that increased Chiles' score. It ruled that the appeal had been submitted past the one-minute deadline and should not have been granted.

The next day, the International Olympic Committee determined Chiles had to return the bronze medal she won in the Paris Olympics.

Though Chiles was ordered to return the medal, there have been no reports that she has. She called the ruling "unjust" in a statement later that week.

"This decision feels unjust and comes as a significant blow, not just to me, but to everyone who has championed my journey. To add to the heartbreak, the unprompted racially driven attacks on social media are wrong and extremely hurtful. I’ve poured my heart and soul into this sport and I am so proud to represent my culture and my country," Chiles said.

TEAM USA'S TOP 5 MOMENTS OF PARIS OLYMPICS

Meanwhile, Barbosu received her bronze medal shortly after the Olympics ended, and expressed sympathy for her American opponent, as well as a Romanian teammate, Sabrina Maneca-Voinea, whose finish was also impacted by the back-and-forth scoring change.

"I can't help but think about Sabrina and Jordan right now," Bărbosu said in a statement. "It's a difficult situation for us, with so many uncertainties and overwhelming emotions. I hope everyone understands that we have not done anything wrong at the Olympics. And that the Olympic spirit is more important than any misunderstanding between the authorities.

"I want to believe that the day will come when all three of us will receive a bronze medal."

Chiles went on to say that the emotional devastation of losing the medal was related to her "skin color," when she gave her first sit-down interview about the incident this week during a panel at the Forbes Power Women's Summit 2024 in September.

"To me, everything that has gone on is not about the medal, it's about, you know, my skin color," Chiles said, sobbing.

Chiles previously claimed she was facing "racially driven attacks" from social media users in a statement posted to X on Aug. 15. When Chiles won the bronze medal, it resulted in the first gymnastics podium in Olympic history that featured three black contestants.

Chiles and Team USA are currently involved in an appeal against a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for its decision.

Chiles' lawyers have argued that her coach did in fact make the request in time and that there is video evidence to prove it, and have also indicated that the official who made the decision to strip Chiles' medal had ties to Romania.

"Chiles asks the Supreme Court to find that the CAS decision was procedurally deficient for two reasons," Chiles’ lawyers said in a statement, according to Olympics.com.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

"First, CAS violated Chiles’ fundamental ‘right to be heard’ by refusing to consider the video evidence that showed her inquiry was submitted on time – in direct contradiction to the findings in CAS’ decision.

"Second, the entire CAS proceeding was unfair because Chiles was not properly informed that Hamid G. Gharavi, the President of the CAS panel that revoked Chiles’s bronze medal and awarded it instead to a Romanian gymnast, had a serious conflict of interest: Mr. Gharavi has acted as counsel for Romania for almost a decade and was actively representing Romania at the time of the CAS arbitration."

Chiles has also filed an appeal in the Swiss Federal Supreme Court to overturn the CAS decision. She argued that she was not given a fair opportunity to defend herself and that the CAS did not properly consider video evidence.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.