College basketball insider Jon Rothstein has released his highly anticipated Rothstein 45 offseason rankings, and the UCLA Bruins have secured the No. 22 spot. While it hasn't been a headline-grabbing offseason for head coach Mick Cronin's squad, this ranking signals that the Bruins still command respect in the national conversation.

UCLA enters the new season following a Round of 32 exit in last year's NCAA tournament, where they fell to the UConn Huskies—who went on to become the national championship runner-up. The Bruins finished the 2023-24 campaign with a 24-12 record, showcasing flashes of brilliance but struggling with consistency. After back-to-back second-round tournament exits, this season looms large for the program's trajectory.

Injuries played a role in UCLA's tournament disappointment, as leading scorer Tyler Bilodeau was sidelined, and second-leading scorer Donovan Dent managed just 2-of-9 shooting from the field. This offseason, Cronin focused on building depth rather than chasing star power, adding guard Jaylen Petty and forwards Sergej Macura and Filip Jovic through the transfer portal. The strategy emphasizes a balanced roster over marquee acquisitions.

Rothstein's vote of confidence in Cronin's coaching is notable, especially given the team's unanswered questions on both ends of the floor. There's also potential for a boost: guard Skyy Clark remains in the transfer portal while seeking an additional year of eligibility from the NCAA, and his return could provide a significant lift.

In the broader Big Ten landscape, Rothstein places five conference teams ahead of UCLA, including national champion Michigan (No. 4), Illinois (No. 2), Michigan State (No. 7), USC (No. 14), and Purdue (No. 21). The Bruins will need to prove they belong among that elite company as they gear up for a pivotal season that could define the future of the program.