After UCLA’s second straight Round of 32 exit in the NCAA tournament, questions have emerged about Mick Cronin’s ability to elevate the Bruins heading into the 2026-2027 season. Cronin and UCLA added some talent through the transfer portal, but no clear game-changing acquisitions were made.
UCLA’s offense needs more consistency. The Bruins finished a disappointing 24-12 season, lacking defensive playmakers and struggling with inconsistent scoring. With both Tyler Bilodeau and Donovan Dent graduating, the team faces a significant loss of offensive production.
Instead of bringing in high-profile transfers, Mick Cronin is betting on internal growth. The Bruins are relying on Eric Dailey Jr., Trent Perry, and Xavier Booker to step up as scorers. While it’s possible, it’s far from a guarantee. Across town, USC continues to stack talent under Eric Musselman, positioning the Trojans for a highly competitive season.
Could USC start toppling Cronin and the Bruins? Cronin has yet to lose to Musselman since both coaches arrived in Los Angeles, but that might change this season. Trojans Wire writer Matt Zemek weighed in on who holds the advantage between UCLA and USC this year.
“It’s true that Eric Musselman has, to this point, been a major disappointment at USC. However, if USC hadn’t been hit hard by injuries this past season—Rodney Rice, Alijah Arenas, and others—the Trojans very likely would have made the NCAA Tournament. Now, Arenas is staying for a second season. Rice is returning, plus the new portal reinforcements. It’s a massive haul that certainly seems better and more ambitious than what Mick Cronin has done at UCLA,” Zemek wrote. “I followed UCLA closely the past few seasons. Being a No. 7 seed is now a trend, at least if you believe the old saying, ‘One is an accident, two’s a trend.’ USC has what looks like a Sweet 16 team on paper, maybe a No. 4 seed. I don’t think UCLA is there—not now, at least. In what is a hot-seat season for Cronin, the outlook doesn’t seem especially promising. Another 7 seed won’t make anyone in Westwood happy … and it probably won’t be enough to match the standard USC is likely to set, provided the Trojans stay healthy next season.”
What would that mean for UCLA? If the Bruins’ mediocrity continues, a coaching change could be on the horizon next spring. UCLA has already fallen out of national title contention, and if USC surpasses them, athletic director Martin Jarmond’s decision becomes even clearer.
