UCLA under head coach Dick Vermeil, the Bruins finished tied for first place in the Pacific-8 Conference. The Bruins were led by quarterback John Sciarra, who was named the Pac-8 Offensive Player of the Year and a consensus first-team All-American. Sciarra finished the season with 2,537 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and only three interceptions. He also rushed for 290 yards and two touchdowns.
Other key contributors for the Bruins included running back Wendell Tyler, who rushed for 1,244 yards and 10 touchdowns, and linebacker Randy Cross, who was named the Pac-8 Defensive Player of the Year.
The 1975 UCLA Bruins football team was one of the most successful teams in school history. The Bruins also won their first bowl game since 1966, had a perfect record at home (5–0), outscored opponents 349 to 243, and upset No. 1 Ohio State to become Rose Bowl champions.
Overall Record: 9-2-1
Conference Record: 6-1
Ranked: No. 5 in the AP Poll