What Is 1967 UCLA Bruins football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1967 UCLA Bruins football team represented the University of California, Los Angeles during the 1967 NCAA University Division football season, finishing with a 5–5 record under head coach Tommy Prothro. They competed in the Athletic Association of Western Universities (AAWU), now known as the Pac-12, and played home games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Key Facts

The 1967 UCLA Bruins finished the season with a 5–5 overall record
Head coach Tommy Prothro led the team from 1965 to 1970
They played home games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
The team scored 197 points while allowing 177 points
UCLA competed in the Athletic Association of Western Universities (AAWU)

Overview

The 1967 UCLA Bruins football team represented the University of California, Los Angeles during the 1967 NCAA University Division football season. Competing in the Athletic Association of Western Universities (AAWU), the team was led by head coach Tommy Prothro, who had gained national recognition for revitalizing the program in the mid-1960s.

The Bruins finished the season with a 5–5 overall record, marking a slight decline from their 6–4 record in 1966. Despite a balanced mix of wins and losses, the team remained competitive throughout the season, scoring 197 total points while allowing 177. Their performance reflected a transitional phase in UCLA football history, as the program sought consistent national prominence.

Head coach Tommy Prothro was in his third season leading the Bruins, having taken over in 1965 after a successful stint at Oregon State.
The team played its home games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a historic venue shared with USC and the NFL’s Rams.
UCLA competed in the Athletic Association of Western Universities, the predecessor to the modern Pac-12 Conference, which included teams like USC, California, and Washington.
The Bruins scored 197 points over 10 games, averaging 19.7 points per game, with a balanced offensive approach between run and pass.
Defensively, they allowed 177 points, averaging 17.7 per game, showing resilience despite a challenging schedule.

How It Works

The 1967 season followed standard NCAA University Division rules, with teams playing a 10-game regular season schedule and no postseason bowl appearance for UCLA. The structure of college football at the time emphasized conference play and regional rivalries, particularly within the AAWU.

Offensive Strategy: The Bruins utilized a balanced attack under Prothro, emphasizing both the running game and short passing, typical of mid-1960s college football.
Defensive Alignment: UCLA primarily used a 4–3 defensive formation, focusing on line pressure and tight man-to-man coverage in the secondary.
Recruiting Pipeline: The team relied heavily on Southern California talent, with many starters hailing from Los Angeles-area high schools.
Game Day Operations: Home games were held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which had a seating capacity of over 90,000 and hosted major college and professional games.
Player Eligibility: NCAA rules in 1967 allowed four years of varsity eligibility, with no redshirting permitted for freshmen, who could play immediately.
Coaching Staff Roles: Tommy Prothro oversaw play-calling, while assistants specialized in offense, defense, and special teams, a growing trend in 1960s college programs.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1967 UCLA Bruins' performance can be better understood when compared to key rivals and conference peers during the same season.

Team	Overall Record	AAWU Record	Points For	Points Against
UCLA Bruins	5–5	3–3	197	177
USC Trojans	7–4	5–2	253	148
California Golden Bears	3–7	2–5	140	185
Washington Huskies	6–4	4–3	189	158
Oregon State Beavers	7–3	5–2	206	138

This comparison highlights that UCLA’s 5–5 record placed them in the middle of the AAWU standings. While they outperformed California and were close to Washington and USC in points allowed, they lacked the offensive firepower of top teams like Oregon State and USC. The data reflects a program in development, building toward the stronger performances of the early 1970s.

Why It Matters

The 1967 season is a notable chapter in UCLA football history, illustrating the challenges and progress of a program striving for national relevance. Though not a championship year, it contributed to the foundation of future success under Tommy Prothro.

The season demonstrated Tommy Prothro’s coaching consistency, maintaining competitiveness despite a tough schedule and modest win-loss record.
It highlighted the growing importance of Los Angeles as a football hub, with UCLA and USC both fielding teams in a major metropolitan area.
The use of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum underscored UCLA’s visibility, drawing large crowds and national media attention.
Player development during this era helped lay the groundwork for UCLA’s 1970s recruiting successes and bowl appearances.
The team’s performance reflected broader trends in college football evolution, including increased specialization and strategic coaching.
Historically, the 1967 season is part of UCLA’s journey toward becoming a Pac-12 powerhouse in later decades.

While not remembered for championships or standout statistics, the 1967 UCLA Bruins remain a significant part of the program’s timeline, representing persistence and progress during a formative era.