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Mick Cronin is heading into a pivotal year, as last year was a big disappointment.
During the preseason last year, Mick Cronin brought in one of the top transfer portal classes in college basketball. Bringing in players like Donovan Dent and Xavier Booker, the Bruins were slotted as the 12th-ranked team in the preseason AP Poll.
Mar 20, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin reacts in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
However, they would not reach that level as they would finish the year unranked.
The top incoming transfer, Donovan Dent, had an underwhelming season for the most part, going from 20 points on 50% shooting from the field and 40% from three-point range with New Mexico to 13 points on 40% shooting from the field and 25% from three-point range with the Bruins.
UCLA head coach Mick Cronin reacts to a play against Michigan State during the first half of Big Ten tournament quarterfinal at United Center in Chicago on Friday, March 13, 2026. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
During the college basketball offseason, the NCAA decided to expand the field of March Madness. Back in early May, the NCAA decided to expand the NCAA Tournament from 68 to 76 teams starting next season.
Now that the transfer portal has officially closed and the Bruins roster is set for next season, let's look at where they are projected to be in the updated March Madness bracket.
Mar 7, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin reacts in the second half against the Southern California Trojans at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
CBS Sports Releases Latest Bracketology
CBS Sports has released its updated way-too-early March Madness projections, with the Bruins as a projected 8-seed in the tournament. If this projection were to be correct, the Bruins would have one of the easier regions to play in.
Mar 12, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin directs his team against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
In the East Region, while they would be in the same region as the No. 1 overall seed, the Duke Blue Devils, and the 2-seed Illinois, they would face an unproven Tennessee team that has made major changes in the offseason, and a Kansas team that also went through a major roster change this offseason.
How UCLA Can Improve This Season
Mar 12, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin gestures to his team against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images
UCLA has also made major roster changes, as leading scorer Tyler Bilodeau has entered the NBA Draft. However, they were able to keep Trent Perry, who made a big leap as a sophomore, for his junior season.
Head coach Mick Cronin also brought in a strong transfer portal class, including point guards Jaylen Petty and Azavier Robinson, and forwards Sergej Macura and Filip Jovic.
Mar 13, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin directs his team against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
UCLA will not face the same level of expectations as last season, which could work in its favor. If Trent Perry can take another step forward and become an All-Big Ten player next season, the Bruins can be one of the better teams not only in the Big Ten but in the country.
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