UCLA has suspended backup quarterback Pierce Clarkson indefinitely from the football program after his arrest on an unspecified felony charge last Friday. The school will maintain the suspension until the legal process concludes, according to an official UCLA statement.
The Los Angeles Police Department’s Southwest Division arrested Clarkson, and authorities set his bail at $30,000, reports the Los Angeles Times. UCLA stated that the Office of Student Conduct and university policies will determine any additional actions.
Although the details of the felony charge remain undisclosed, the incident casts scrutiny on Clarkson’s short tenure at UCLA. He transferred to UCLA in May after brief stints at Louisville and Ole Miss and has played as a backup to starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava during the first two games of the 2025 season, which UCLA lost.
Background on Pierce Clarkson
Pierce Clarkson is the son of Steve Clarkson, a prominent quarterback coach who has developed NFL talent including Ben Roethlisberger, Matt Leinart, J.P. Losman, and Jimmy Clausen. Fans and analysts have followed Clarkson’s football journey closely due to his father’s reputation and his potential as a quarterback.
Before joining UCLA, Clarkson spent two seasons at Louisville and had a brief transfer to Ole Miss in January 2025, which ended quickly. At UCLA, he has yet to see significant playing time, primarily serving as a backup while learning the team’s system.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Pierce Clarkson is scheduled to appear in court on October 3. Meanwhile, UCLA has suspended him from all team activities, and the football program will monitor the situation closely. This suspension underscores how college athletes’ off-field actions can have immediate consequences for their athletic careers.
The UCLA football program continues to emphasize accountability and adherence to university policy, ensuring that the student-athlete experience maintains integrity both on and off the field.
