UCLA's Eric Dailey Jr. to Return for Senior Season

Bruins' power forward commits to playing one more year in Westwood.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:08pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the dynamic motion and energy of a college basketball game, with figures of players dissolving into the background.The return of veteran forward Eric Dailey Jr. gives UCLA a strong foundation as it aims to build on its recent NCAA Tournament success.Los Angeles Today

The UCLA men's basketball team will welcome back a key piece of its roster next season, as forward Eric Dailey Jr. has committed to returning for his senior year. Dailey's decision gives the Bruins their likely starting power forward alongside several other returning players, creating a strong nucleus for the team.

Why it matters

Dailey's return is a significant boost for UCLA, which is looking to build on its recent NCAA Tournament appearance. The Bruins will have a veteran-led team with multiple starters back, providing stability and experience as they aim to compete for a Pac-12 title and make a deep run in the Big Dance.

The details

Dailey, who averaged 11.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per game as a junior, became the fourth UCLA player to announce he will return next season, joining Xavier Booker, Eric Freeny and Brandon Williams. The Bruins are also hoping to get guard Trent Perry back, and could receive a boost if Skyy Clark's eligibility waiver is approved after he played limited minutes as a freshman at Illinois.

  • Dailey made his plans known on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
  • The 2026-27 NCAA basketball season will begin in November 2026.

The players

Eric Dailey Jr.

A power forward who will return for his senior season with the UCLA Bruins men's basketball team.

Xavier Booker

A UCLA Bruins player who has committed to returning for the 2026-27 season.

Eric Freeny

A UCLA Bruins player who has committed to returning for the 2026-27 season.

Brandon Williams

A UCLA Bruins player who has committed to returning for the 2026-27 season.

Trent Perry

A UCLA Bruins player who the team hopes will return for the 2026-27 season.

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What they’re saying

“Dailey's return is a significant boost for UCLA, which is looking to build on its recent NCAA Tournament appearance. The Bruins will have a veteran-led team with multiple starters back, providing stability and experience as they aim to compete for a Pac-12 title and make a deep run in the Big Dance.”

— Ben Bolch, Author

What’s next

The Bruins will continue to recruit in the transfer portal to fill out their roster for the 2026-27 season, targeting a center, wing and guard to complement their returning players.

The takeaway

With Dailey and several other key players returning, UCLA is poised to be a formidable team in the Pac-12 and a potential contender for a deep NCAA Tournament run next season.