UCLA Bruins 2026 Preview
UCLA are 1-0 in 2026. They went 3-9 (3-6 in the Big Ten). Here is what changed on the roster, the full 2026 schedule, and where they rank going into the season.
About UCLA Bruins
Joined from the Pac-12 in 2024 and plays home games at the Rose Bowl.
- Joined the Big Ten
- 2024
- Chief rivalries
- USC (Victory Bell)
What changed for UCLA in 2026
- New head coach in Bob Chesney (James Madison Head Coach)
- New offensive coordinator in Dean Kennedy (James Madison Offensive Coordinator and QB Coach) and defensive coordinator in Colin Hitschler (James Madison Defensive Coordinator)
- Nico Iamaleava returns at QB after a sophomore season of 1,928 yards, 13 TDs, and 7 INTs, as well as 505 rushing yards and 4 rushing TDs
- Starting RB from last season is gone. James Madison transfer Wayne Knight is expected to start (1,373 yards - 7th in CFB, 9 TDs)
- Top player in terms of receiving yards from last season is gone, with the top returner being Mikey Matthews (348 yards, 2 TDs). Two transfers are expected to start in San Jose State transfer Leland Smith (688 yards, 3 TDs) and James Madison transfer Landon Ellis (624 yards, 5 TDs)
- Returning one starting offensive lineman with four transfers (two from James Madison) expected to start
- Returning three starters on defense, with their top returner being safety Cole Martin (65 tackles). Seven transfers are expected to start, including James Madison transfer DE Sahir West (7 sacks)
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Fact checking by Brady Kommes; cover art by Pace Maier.
UCLA Bruins 2026 schedule
| Game | Opponent | Site | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | Away | W 45-24 |
| 2 | San Diego State | Home | — |
| 3 | Purdue | Home | — |
| 4 | Maryland | Away | — |
| 5 | Oregon | Away | — |
| 6 | Wisconsin | Home | — |
| 7 | Michigan State | Home | — |
| 8 | Nevada | Home | — |
| 9 | Minnesota | Away | — |
| 10 | Illinois | Home | — |
| 11 | Michigan | Away | — |
| 12 | USC | Home | — |
Get the printable UCLA Bruins 2026 schedule with kickoff times and TV, sized for one page.
More Big Ten previews
Illinois Fighting Illini
Indiana Hoosiers
Iowa Hawkeyes
Maryland Terrapins
Michigan Wolverines
Michigan State Spartans
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Northwestern Wildcats
Ohio State Buckeyes
Oregon Ducks
Penn State Nittany Lions
Purdue Boilermakers
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
USC Trojans
Washington Huskies
Wisconsin BadgersRelated reading
UCLA Bruins betting FAQ
UCLA Bruins play 12 games in 2026, 7 at home. They open against California. The full schedule is listed on this page.
UCLA is outside Kyle Kommes's preseason Top 25 for 2026.
UCLA Bruins play at Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. Joined from the Pac-12 in 2024 and plays home games at the Rose Bowl.
USC (Victory Bell). UCLA has been a Big Ten member since 2024.
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