UCLA vs. USC Tennis: A Historic Rivalry

The rivalry between UCLA and USC extends beyond the football field, encompassing a wide range of sports, including men's tennis. The schools have been together in the same athletic conference since 1928, when UCLA joined USC in the Pacific Coast Conference, a predecessor of the Pac-12 Conference. USC had joined the PCC in 1922. When the PCC broke up after the 1958-1959 season, USC and UCLA were charter members of the newly formed Athletic Association of Western Universities. The AAWU, with expansion, would become the Pac-8, Pac-10, and then the Pac-12 Conference. Both schools also are successful in many "non-revenue" or "Olympic" sports. Both have had success in track and field, water polo, tennis, volleyball, and golf. As of 2023, USC has won 26 NCAA championships in men's outdoor track and field, 21 in men's tennis, and 12 in baseball, the most of any school in each respective sport. Likewise, UCLA has won 20 NCAA championships in men's volleyball and 12 in softball, also the most of any school in those sports. As of June 2024, UCLA ranked second overall and USC ranked third overall in NCAA team championships behind Stanford.

This article delves into the rich history of the UCLA vs. USC tennis rivalry, highlighting key moments, memorable matches, and the passion that fuels this crosstown clash.

The Crosstown Cup and Its Significance

The Crosstown Cup, formerly known as the Lexus Gauntlet, the Crosstown Gauntlet, and the SoCal BMW Crosstown Cup, epitomizes the athletic competition between UCLA and USC. This competition spans the 19 NCAA-sanctioned varsity sports in which both universities compete. While the scoring rules have varied slightly over the years, the underlying spirit of rivalry remains constant.

In the earlier years of the Lexus Gauntlet Trophy, UCLA emerged victorious in 2003, 2005, and 2007, while USC claimed the trophy in 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2009. After Lexus concluded its sponsorship in 2009, the competition was rebranded as the Crosstown Gauntlet. USC continued its dominance, winning in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2014, while UCLA secured a victory in 2013. A new sponsorship in 2015 led to the competition being named the SoCal BMW Crosstown Cup, with UCLA winning in 2015 and USC in 2016. Since the end of that sponsorship, the competition has been simply known as the Crosstown Cup.

Memorable Moments and Matches

The UCLA-USC rivalry is replete with memorable moments and matches that have captivated fans for decades.

Football and Conference Titles

The rivalry extends beyond tennis, often influencing the outcome of the Pac-12 Conference title in football. A Rose Bowl game berth has frequently been at stake for both schools. From the 1916 formation of the Pacific Coast Conference, USC had won or shared 37 conference titles, while UCLA had won or shared 17. Since the 1959 season, when the Pac-12 was formed as the Athletic Association of Western Universities, through the 2007 season, the schools had won or shared 33 of the 48 conference titles. USC won 17 championships outright, shared eight, and appeared in the Rose Bowl or BCS bowl 21 times. UCLA won six championships outright, shared five, and went to the Rose Bowl eight times. The schools have shared the championship thrice.

Rise to Prominence and Coaching Legends

USC's football program began its rise to national prominence under Howard Jones in 1925, and the Trojans established a major rivalry with Notre Dame in 1926. By the late 1930s, star players like Kenny Washington, Jackie Robinson, and Bob Waterfield helped UCLA become competitive. With the arrival of Hall of Fame coach Henry "Red" Sanders, UCLA became the more dominant program in the 1950s, winning their first and only National Championship in 1954.

In 1960, John McKay, the winningest coach in USC football history, took over the struggling Trojans program, ushering in a new golden age. During McKay's tenure, USC won eight conference titles, five Rose Bowls, produced two Heisman Trophy winners (Mike Garrett and O. J. Simpson), and won three national championships (1962, 1967, and 1972) and shared one (1974). McKay's record against UCLA was an impressive 10-5-1 between 1960 and 1975.

From the mid-1960s to the end of the 1970s, USC and UCLA were the top powers on the West Coast, with USC usually holding the top spot. In the 15 Rose Bowls played from 1966 to 1980, USC or UCLA played in 12 of them. Even with the rise of Don James' Washington Huskies in the 1980s and early 90s, UCLA or USC still went to the Rose Bowl seven times between 1981 and 1995.

Pete Carroll Era and Rivalry Traditions

Pete Carroll's hiring by USC in December 2000 marked a period of dominance for the Trojans. During Carroll's tenure (2001-2009 seasons), USC was virtually unbeatable against both UCLA and Notre Dame.

Read also: A Legacy of UCLA Athleticism

The annual football game has been known by various names, including "The Los Angeles City Championship," "The Crosstown Showdown," "The Battle of L.A.," or simply the "crosstown rivalry." At UCLA, the week leading up to the game is known as "Beat 'SC Week," while both schools host activities to promote school spirit.

Traditions include protecting campus landmarks: USC wraps its Trojan Shrine (Tommy Trojan) in bubble wrap and duct tape, while UCLA covers its Bruin Bear statue with a tarp stating "THE BRUIN BEAR IS HIBERNATING. BEAT 'SC."

Victory Bell

The Victory Bell, originally from an old Southern Pacific railroad locomotive, is awarded to the winner of the annual football game. The bell is painted blue or cardinal by the school that possesses it. The UCLA Rally Committee is responsible for protecting and caring for the bell when UCLA possesses it, while the Trojan Knights are responsible for hiding, protecting, and showcasing the bell when USC possesses it.

Rose Bowl Appearances

Through the 2016 season, USC has appeared in the Rose Bowl 34 times, and UCLA has appeared 12 times. During the BCS era (1998-2013), the Rose Bowl was the destination for the first-place Big Ten and Pac-12 teams, should either fail to qualify for the BCS championship game. UCLA was the first Pac-10 team to appear in a BCS bowl, the 1999 Rose Bowl, their last conference championship year. USC has appeared in six BCS bowl games, winning the BCS championship in 2005.

Series Record

As of the end of the 2025 college football season, USC leads the series 53-34-7 (excluding two vacated USC wins due to NCAA penalty). There has been one overtime game in the series, in 1996.

The Current Landscape

The rivalry continues to evolve, with new players and coaches adding their own chapters to the story. In the current season, No. 15 UCLA men’s tennis faces No. 21 USC at the David X. Marks Tennis Stadium.

Recent Match Highlights

In a recent super regional match, the Bruins faced their crosstown rival after the Trojans upset San Diego. The Trojans took the doubles point with a tiebreaker, and every singles match went to a third set. A match-clinching ace from Spencer Johnson secured the victory for UCLA.

Player Perspectives

Players like Rudy Quan and Cassius Chinlund have grown up attending UCLA-USC matches and understand the significance of the rivalry. Chinlund recalls watching Brandon Holt of USC take on UCLA's squad during the 2017-18 season, when the Bruins defeated the Trojans to advance to the NCAA semifinals.

Coaching Insights

UCLA coach Billy Martin, who has experienced the rivalry as a player, assistant coach, and head coach, emphasized the intensity and importance of the matches. He singled out the recent super regional showdown as a particularly memorable moment.

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