The UCLA football program has a major problem on its hands. Backup quarterback Pierce Clarkson has been suspended indefinitely after he was arrested in Los Angeles for assault with a deadly weapon.
According to the LAPD, Clarkson, 21, was taken into custody Friday by the Southwest Division and later released on a $30,000 bond. He’s facing charges of assault with a deadly weapon, not a firearm, with “great bodily injury.” His court date is set for October 3.
The charge against UCLA backup QB Pierce Clarkson is assault with a deadly weapon — not a firearm — with great bodily injury, according to public information officer Drake Madison of the Los Angeles Police Department.
— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) September 8, 2025
Clarkson just arrived at UCLA this spring after transferring from Ole Miss, where he lasted only a few months. Before that, he spent two seasons at Louisville, where his stat line was basically nonexistent,six passes for 18 yards and five carries for nine yards. He has yet to play a snap for the Bruins.
Now? His football career is on hold before it ever got started in Westwood.