The USC Trojans won the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC) championship, compiled an undefeated 8–0–2 record, were ranked #3 in the final AP Poll, and were represented by three players on the first teams selected by AP or UP: quarterback Grenny Lansdell (AP, UP), guard Harry Smith (AP, UP) and tackle Phil Gaspar (UP).[1][2]
UCLA finished second in the PCC with a 6–0–4 record, were ranked #7 in the final AP Poll, and placed two players on either the AP or UP first teams: halfback Kenny Washington (AP, UP) and end Woodrow Strode (AP).[1][2]
Two players from outside the PCC received first-team honors. Both played for the Santa Clara Broncos: end Bill Anahu (AP, UP) and center John Schiechl (AP, UP).[1][2]
UP = United Press: "The sports editors and writers of United Press newspapers in the Far West today present their Pacific Coast all-star football team in 1939."[2]
Bold = Consensus first-team selection of both the AP and UP
