Dan McMillan dominates the trenches as a two-way star who powered the fabled “Wonder Teams” to unprecedented glory. From his early days at USC to his legendary career at California, McMillan showcased relentless blocking and tenacious tackling that permanently secured his place in college football history. Discover the incredible journey of a World War I pilot who transferred schools and helped build one of the greatest dynasties the West Coast has ever seen.
Football Bio
June 29, 1898 – From parts unknown – Dan McMillan, who played in 1917 and 1919 for Southern California and then the 1920 and 1921 seasons for the University of California at tackle, was born.
The FootballFoundation.org says that after McMillan had just completed two outstanding seasons at Southern Cal, World War I called him to serve his country as a pilot.
While in flight school near Berkeley, McMillan met several of the California players and was impressed enough to transfer to Cal.
The fabled “Wonder Teams” of coach Andy Smith were gifted with All-America talent that helped the Bears achieve dominance in the West, running a 50-game unbeaten streak until 1925.
In 1920, the Golden Bears outscored nine opponents 510-14 and then blanked Ohio State in the Rose Bowl 28-0.
McMillan helped Cal to another unbeaten season and a Rose Bowl appearance in 1921, earning consensus All-America honors after another outstanding year on the field.
Dan McMillanβs collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1971.
Dan McMillan exemplifies the ultimate gridiron warrior, seamlessly transitioning from USC to California while cementing his legacy on the West Coast. He anchored the “Wonder Teams” with ferocious physical play and commanding leadership, driving Cal to back-to-back Rose Bowl appearances and national prominence. Today, his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame immortalizes his tremendous impact on the early era of the sport.
We talk about McMillan and his role on the Cal Wonder Team in our book When Greasy Met the Wonder Coach.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1971.
- Consensus First-Team All-American: 1921.
- Second-Team All-American: 1920.
- 2Γ National Champion: 1920, 1921.
- 2Γ First-Team All-PCC: 1920, 1921.
- Rose Bowl Champion: 1920 (Defeated Ohio State 28-0).
- Cal Athletic Hall of Fame: Inducted as a member