USC Legend Bob Chandler Headed to the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame

USC Football legend Bob Chandler has been inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 class.

The names associated with USC players in the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame include some of the biggest names in college and professional football history.

The Trojans have more than twice as many players inducted than the next closet school (UCLA Bruins-11/Michigan Wolverines-12).

Of the 27 former USC players in the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame, notable names are: Reggie Bush, Keyshawn Johnson, Sam Cunningham, OJ Simpson, Lynn Swann, Charles White, Vince Evans, Ron Yary, Ricky Ervins, Anthony Davis, Matt Leinhart, Pete Beatherd to name of few.

While at USC, Chandler played for the legendary head coach, John McKay. During his time at USC Chandler played in two Rose Bowls while serving as captain in 1970. 

Chandler was the MVP of the 1970 Rose Bowl after catching the game winning touchdown against Michigan with a pass from quarterback Jimmy Jones.

He finished the game with three receptions for 78 yards. The game winning catch was his last reception as a Trojan.

College football players were not allowed to compete in varsity football games until 1972.

Chandler was on the freshman team in 1967 when junior running back OJ Simpson guided USC to the national title. 

During his second year at USC, USC finished 9-1-1. The team finished ranked No. 2 after losing to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl.

This team was also powered by Heisman trophy winner and future Rose Bowl Hall of Fame enshrinee, Simpson.

In 1969 McKay's team finished 10-0-1 and ranked No.4. They beat Michigan in the Rose Bowl to cap the season with Chandler being the star of the game.

Chandler was drafted in the seventh round of the 1971 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. He would go on to play with his former USC teammate, Simpson for seven years with the Bills.  

While with the Bills Chandler led the NFL in receiving from 1975-1977, he was All-Pro both 1975 and 1977.

Chandler was traded to the Oakland Raiders in 1980. He would go on to play in Super XV, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 27-10. Chandler recorded four catches for 77 yards in the game.

After retiring from football Chandler did color commentary and other related media work from 1983-1994. Chandler worked for NBC, ABC, CBS and ESPN during his time in media.

Chandler passed away in 1995 after battling a rare lung cancer diagnosis. Chandler was a non smoker.

USC athletics inducted Chandler into it’s Athletic Hall of Fame posthumously in 1999.