UCLA Football Returns to National Rankings After Dominant Victory
The Bruins enter the AP Poll at No. 23 following a 51-point win over Maryland, setting the stage for a key matchup against Oregon.
UCLA football has re-entered the national rankings for the first time since the middle of the 2023 season. The Bruins landed at No. 23 in both the Associated Press and AFCA Coaches polls released Sunday, following their decisive 54-3 victory against Maryland on Saturday.
This marks the best start to a season for UCLA (4-0) since they began 6-0 in 2022. Their next game is a road contest against No. 15 Oregon (3-1) on Oct. 10. The Ducks are coming off a 41-27 win over USC, a game in which Oregon quarterback Dante Moore sustained a head injury and left before halftime.
The upcoming matchup between UCLA and Oregon will be a rematch of sorts from the College Football Playoff in December, where Oregon defeated James Madison and coach Bob Chesney. Chesney's departure from James Madison to take the UCLA job, bringing 11 transfers with him, adds another layer to the rivalry.
Meanwhile, USC (4-1) dropped six spots to No. 18 in both polls after their loss to Oregon. The Trojans are set to face Washington (3-1) this Saturday. USC will be without starting linebacker Desman Stephens II, who received a one-game suspension for his actions during the Oregon game, including knocking Moore out of the contest and celebrating the play.
Washington enters the game after a 27-24 loss to Minnesota. The Huskies' coach, Jedd Fisch, has a recent history of success against USC, having defeated them in 2024 during his first season with Washington.