The arrival of Bob Chesney as the new head coach has injected a level of excitement into the UCLA football program not seen in decades. Chesney, who led James Madison to the College Football Playoff in 2025, is seen by many as the most promising coaching hire the Bruins have made since Tommy Prothro in 1965. Early projections indicate that UCLA could be the Big Ten's most improved team in Chesney's debut season.
Early Season Prospects
The Bruins are predicted to start the season strong, with victories expected against California (Sept. 5), San Diego State (Sept. 12), Purdue (Sept. 19), and Maryland (Sept. 26). The game against Cal is notable as a test for new head coach Tosh Lupoi. San Diego State, under coach Sean Lewis, is coming off a 9-4 season but historically struggles against UCLA. Purdue, meanwhile, has endured an 18-game losing streak in Big Ten play since 2023, making a road win for the Bruins appear likely. Maryland, under Mike Locksley, is also anticipated to struggle in 2026.
Challenging Conference Play
The path through the Big Ten presents tougher tests. A matchup against Oregon (Oct. 10) is expected to be a significant challenge, with the Ducks widely considered to possess a talented roster, including quarterback Dante Moore. This game is particularly poignant as Chesney's final James Madison team was eliminated from the CFP by Oregon in December 2025.
UCLA will then face Wisconsin (Oct. 17) and Michigan State (Oct. 24). Wisconsin, under Luke Fickell, has had a .500 record in his previous seasons, and an immediate turnaround is not widely anticipated. Michigan State, under new coach Pat Fitzgerald, is also seen as facing a roster challenge that may hinder immediate success.
Home Stretch and Rivalry
October concludes with a home game against Nevada (Oct. 31), which is projected as a straightforward win for UCLA. The Bruins then travel to Minnesota (Nov. 7), where they face a motivated P.J. Fleck and a Golden Gophers team that could be a dark horse contender. Illinois (Nov. 13), despite recent success, is expected to experience significant roster turnover, making a win for UCLA likely.
The season culminates with two highly anticipated matchups: at Michigan (Nov. 21) and against USC (Nov. 28). Michigan, with a strong returning offensive line and key playmakers like running back Jordan Marshall, is predicted to be a difficult opponent. However, Chesney has expressed confidence in UCLA's ability to become the dominant team in Los Angeles, and the Bruins are predicted to secure an upset win against USC, potentially impacting the Trojans' CFP hopes.
Bowl Game Outlook
UCLA's season is projected to conclude with a bowl appearance, likely the Alamo Bowl against BYU (Dec. 29). While BYU is expected to be a strong contender, the Bruins are predicted to fall in a closely contested game, finishing Chesney's first year with a 9-4 record. This outcome would signify a successful debut season and a positive trajectory for the program under new leadership.