He served as a team captain and was a two-time first-team All-district at the offensive line.

[1] After redshirting his initial year at UCLA, Brendel became a fixture at center after spring practice and started all 14 games for the Bruins in 2012.

[2] He was named first-team Freshman All-America by The Sporting News, CBSSports.com, and Football Writers Association of America,[3][4][5] and second-team Freshman All-America by College Football News.

[8] He requested an evaluation of his NFL draft stock, but decided to return for his senior year,[7] when he again earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors.

[9] The three-time team captain finished his UCLA career with a school record of 52 starts.

Brendel was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys after the 2016 NFL draft on May 6.

[19] He played in four games, starting three at left guard and center due to injuries.

[24] On August 6, Brendel announced he would opt out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.