UCLA's Heisman Winner Sees Potential in Current Bruins

Gary Beban, the school's sole Heisman Trophy recipient, believes the team has regained its energy and spirit.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 4:42am

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A cubist-style painting featuring fragmented, overlapping geometric shapes in the team's official colors, conceptually representing the renewed energy and spirit of the UCLA football program.A Heisman-winning alumnus sees renewed energy and spirit in the current UCLA football team, raising hopes for a program turnaround.Los Angeles Today

Gary Beban, the only Heisman Trophy winner in UCLA history, has observed the Bruins' program go through ups and downs over the years. Despite the team's recent struggles, Beban sees a renewed sense of energy and spirit around the current squad that was previously lacking.

Why it matters

As a Heisman-winning alumnus, Beban's perspective on the state of the UCLA football program carries significant weight. His positive assessment of the team's current aura could signal a potential turnaround for the Bruins after several down seasons.

The details

Beban, who won the Heisman in 1967, has witnessed UCLA transition through new coaches and periods of limited success in recent years. However, the former star quarterback believes the current team has regained an intangible quality that was missing before.

  • Beban won the Heisman Trophy in 1967 while playing for UCLA.

The players

Gary Beban

The only Heisman Trophy winner in UCLA history, Beban played quarterback for the Bruins in the 1960s.

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What they’re saying

“There is a sense of spirit here that seemed to be missing before.”

— Gary Beban, UCLA Heisman Trophy Winner

The takeaway

Beban's positive assessment of the current UCLA team's energy and spirit suggests the Bruins may be poised for a turnaround after several down seasons. As a Heisman-winning alumnus, his perspective carries significant weight and could signal a renewed sense of optimism around the program.