The UCLA football schedule for 2026 features 12 games, including nine Big Ten Conference matchups, marking head coach Bob Chesney’s first season after the program’s historic 3-9 collapse in 2025.
The Bruins open Saturday, September 5, 2026, against California in Berkeley, and close the regular season Saturday, November 28, 2026, hosting USC at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena.
UCLA enters 2026 with 41 transfer portal additions following the mid-season firing of DeShaun Foster after a 0-3 start in 2025. Interim head coach Tim Skipper finished 3-6 in Big Ten play as the Bruins posted 218 points scored (18.2 per game, ranked 117th nationally) while allowing 401 points (33.4 per game).
Table of Contents
UCLA Football Schedule 2026: Full Season Game Dates
| Date | Opponent | Location | Venue | Conference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, September 5, 2026 | at California | Berkeley, CA | California Memorial Stadium | Non-conference |
| Saturday, September 12, 2026 | San Diego State | Pasadena, CA | The Rose Bowl | Non-conference |
| Saturday, September 19, 2026 | Purdue | Pasadena, CA | The Rose Bowl | Big Ten |
| Saturday, September 26, 2026 | at Maryland | College Park, MD | SECU Stadium | Big Ten |
| Saturday, October 3, 2026 | BYE WEEK | — | — | — |
| Saturday, October 10, 2026 | at Oregon | Eugene, OR | Autzen Stadium | Big Ten |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | Wisconsin | Pasadena, CA | The Rose Bowl | Big Ten |
| Saturday, October 24, 2026 | Michigan State | Pasadena, CA | The Rose Bowl | Big Ten |
| Saturday, October 31, 2026 | Nevada | Pasadena, CA | The Rose Bowl | Non-conference |
| Saturday, November 7, 2026 | at Minnesota | Minneapolis, MN | Huntington Bank Stadium | Big Ten |
| Saturday, November 14, 2026 | Illinois | Pasadena, CA | The Rose Bowl | Big Ten |
| Saturday, November 21, 2026 | at Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI | Michigan Stadium | Big Ten |
| Saturday, November 28, 2026 | USC | Pasadena, CA | The Rose Bowl | Big Ten |
The schedule was officially released on January 27, 2026. Kickoff times and television assignments remain pending as of February 2026, with Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ABC expected to broadcast games throughout the season.
Bob Chesney Era Begins: New Head Coach Takes Over UCLA Program
Bob Chesney became UCLA’s 20th head coach in December 2025 following a 21-5 record at James Madison University. The Bruins hired Chesney after DeShaun Foster’s 0-3 start extended to a 3-9 final record, UCLA’s worst season since 2018, and ending six consecutive bowl game appearances.
Chesney brought Dean Kennedy (offensive coordinator) and Colin Hitschler (defensive coordinator) from James Madison. The coaching staff implemented the “4 Cs” philosophy—Competence, Connection, Character, and Chemistry—as the foundation for the 2026 rebuild.
The transfer portal class ranked approximately 30th nationally with 41 additions, addressing depth across all position groups. Notable transfers include Tyson Ford (defensive tackle from California), Sammy Omosigho (linebacker from Oklahoma), and Aidan Mizell (wide receiver from Florida).
UCLA Home Games 2026: Rose Bowl Stadium Schedule
UCLA hosts seven home games at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena during the 2026 season. The venue has an official capacity of 91,136 for UCLA games, reduced from the historical 105,000-plus configuration.
Home Game Schedule
- Saturday, September 12, 2026: San Diego State
- Saturday, September 19, 2026: Purdue (Big Ten home opener, first meeting since 1980)
- Saturday, October 17, 2026: Wisconsin (first visit to UCLA since 1980)
- Saturday, October 24, 2026: Michigan State
- Saturday, October 31, 2026: Nevada (Halloween game)
- Saturday, November 14, 2026: Illinois (potential Senior Day)
- Saturday, November 28, 2026: USC (regular season finale, Victory Bell rivalry)
An active lawsuit between the Rose Bowl/Pasadena and UCLA regarding alleged plans to relocate home games to SoFi Stadium creates venue uncertainty. The existing lease runs through 2044, but a February 2026 court ruling against arbitration has intensified speculation about potential stadium changes.
UCLA Away Games 2026: Big Ten Road Schedule
The Bruins face five Big Ten road games spanning 4,000-plus miles of cross-country travel, presenting significant logistical challenges for the West Coast program.
Road Game Schedule
Saturday, September 5, 2026: at California (Berkeley, CA)
Season opener against former Pac-12 rival renews the UC-system rivalry in Bob Chesney’s coaching debut.
Saturday, September 26, 2026: at Maryland (College Park, MD)
First trip to College Park since 1955 marks the earliest Big Ten conference road test.
Saturday, October 10, 2026: at Oregon (Eugene, OR)
First Big Ten matchup against the former Pac-12 opponent at Autzen Stadium.
Saturday, November 7, 2026: at Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN)
Late-season cold-weather test at Huntington Bank Stadium.
Saturday, November 21, 2026: at Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)
First trip to Michigan Stadium since 1996, facing one of college football’s most intimidating venues (capacity over 107,000).
The travel burden represents a stark contrast to UCLA’s Pac-12 era, when most conference opponents were located on the West Coast.
Key Rivalry Games: USC and California Matchups
USC Rivalry (Saturday, November 28, 2026)
The Victory Bell rivalry continues despite conference realignment, preserved as an annual matchup within Big Ten scheduling. USC leads the all-time series 54-34-7 heading into 2026.
The 2026 game marks the regular-season finale at the Rose Bowl. UCLA lost 10-29 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, November 29, 2025, scoring just 10 points while allowing 29 in conference play.
The rivalry maintains emotional significance for both programs and the Los Angeles sports market, generating substantial ticket demand and television ratings regardless of each team’s record.
California Rivalry (Saturday, September 5, 2026)
UCLA opens the 2026 season at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, renewing the UC-system rivalry as a non-conference matchup. The game provides Bob Chesney with his first test as UCLA head coach against a familiar opponent from the Pac-12 era.
California finished the 2025 season with a 6-6 record in its first Big Ten campaign, providing a competitive opening challenge for the rebuilding Bruins.
Big Ten Conference Schedule: Nine-Game Format Explained
UCLA plays nine Big Ten Conference games in 2026, the second full season under the expanded conference model. The Big Ten adopted the nine-game format to accommodate 18 member institutions following the additions of UCLA, USC, Oregon, and Washington in August 2024.
Conference Home Games (Five)
- Purdue (September 19)
- Wisconsin (October 17)
- Michigan State (October 24)
- Illinois (November 14)
- USC (November 28)
Conference Road Games (Four)
- at Maryland (September 26)
- at Oregon (October 10)
- at Minnesota (November 7)
- at Michigan (November 21)
The nine-game conference slate eliminates traditional off-weeks and forces programs to balance bowl eligibility requirements (six wins) with limited non-conference opportunities. UCLA schedules three non-conference games: at California, San Diego State, and Nevada.
Non-Conference Schedule Analysis
UCLA faces three non-conference opponents in 2026, providing limited opportunities for wins before entering Big Ten competition.
at California (September 5): Road season opener against a former Pac-12 rival presents immediate challenges for a rebuilding program with 41 new transfer additions requiring integration.
San Diego State (September 12): Home opener against the Mountain West Conference opponent marks Bob Chesney’s Rose Bowl Stadium debut. San Diego State posted a 4-8 record in 2025.
Nevada (October 31): Halloween game at the Rose Bowl represents the final non-conference matchup, scheduled late in the season between Big Ten opponents. Nevada competed in the Mountain West Conference with a 3-9 record in 2025.
The non-conference schedule provides winnable games critical for bowl eligibility, but the opening road trip to Berkeley and limited total opportunities (three games) create pressure to succeed immediately.
Historical 2025 Season Context: Why UCLA Hired Bob Chesney
The 2025 season produced UCLA’s worst record in seven years, triggering a complete program overhaul.
2025 Season Statistics
| Category | UCLA | Opponents |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 3-9 | — |
| Big Ten Record | 3-6 | — |
| Points Scored | 218 (18.2/game) | 401 (33.4/game) |
| Total Offense | 319.9 yards/game | 387.0 yards/game |
| Rushing Offense | 139.7 yards/game | 190.4 yards/game |
| Passing Offense | 180.3 yards/game | 196.6 yards/game |
| Third Down Conversions | 37% | 55% |
| Turnovers (Lost) | 7 interceptions, 6 fumbles | 4 interceptions, 6 fumbles |
DeShaun Foster was fired after a 0-3 start that included losses to Utah (10-43), UNLV (23-30), and New Mexico (10-35). Interim head coach Tim Skipper managed three Big Ten wins against Penn State (42-37), Michigan State (38-13), and Maryland (20-17) before losing the final six games.
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava completed 208 of 323 passes (64.4%) for 1,928 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions across 11 games. Running back Jalen Berger rushed 81 times for 364 yards (4.5 average) and 2 touchdowns. Wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer led receivers with 50 catches for 535 yards and 4 touchdowns.
The defensive unit allowed 26 rushing touchdowns and 23 passing touchdowns. Linebacker JonJon Vaughns led the team with 107 total tackles (46 unassisted, 61 assisted) and 1 sack for 4 yards.
The collapse ended UCLA’s streak of six consecutive bowl appearances and demonstrated the program’s struggles adapting to Big Ten physicality after decades in the Pac-12 Conference.
2026 Roster Rebuild: Transfer Portal Additions and Key Players
Bob Chesney addressed roster deficiencies through aggressive transfer portal recruiting, adding 41 players during the January 2026 window.
Notable Transfer Additions
Tyson Ford (Defensive Tackle, California): Interior defensive line reinforcement addressing run defense struggles that allowed 190.4 rushing yards per game in 2025.
Sammy Omosigho (Linebacker, Oklahoma): Experienced Big 12 defender provides immediate depth at linebacker, where UCLA struggled with tackling consistency.
Aidan Mizell (Wide Receiver, Florida): SEC receiver adds playmaking ability to a receiving corps that averaged 180.3 passing yards per game in 2025.
Projected 2026 Starters
Quarterback: Competition remains open with Dante Moore’s potential return creating uncertainty alongside Ethan Garbers’ eligibility status. The position represents the most critical decision for offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy.
Running Back: Jalen Berger returns after 364 rushing yards in 2025, providing veteran experience in the backfield.
Wide Receivers: Kwazi Gilmer (50 receptions, 535 yards, 4 touchdowns in 2025) leads the receiving corps alongside transfer additions.
Offensive Line: Reuben Unije (10 starts in 2025) and Sam Yoon (12 starts) provide continuity along the offensive line, critical for protecting the quarterback and establishing run game efficiency.
Defense: The 3-3-5 defensive scheme implementation requires specific player types, driving multiple defensive transfer additions to fit defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler’s system.
The roster overhaul represents one of the most dramatic single-season transformations in UCLA football history, with nearly one-third of the 2026 roster composed of transfer additions.
Ticket Information: How to Purchase UCLA Football Tickets
UCLA football tickets for the 2026 season are available through multiple channels, with pricing varying by opponent and seating location.
Official Ticket Sources
UCLA Central Ticket Office: Primary ticketing platform managed by UCLA Athletics (uclabruins.com)
Rose Bowl Stadium Box Office: On-site ticket sales at the venue in Pasadena
Secondary Market Platforms: StubHub, Ticketmaster Resale, SeatGeek, and Vivid Seats offer resale options
Season Ticket Packages
Season ticket packages include all seven Rose Bowl home games with priority access to parking and potential bowl game tickets. Pricing ranges from $280 to $1,400, depending on seating section and donation level to the UCLA Athletic Department.
Student tickets are available through the UCLA student portal with valid student identification, priced significantly below general admission rates.
Single Game Ticket Pricing
High-demand games (USC, Wisconsin, Michigan State) typically command premium pricing between $50 and $200 per seat. Lower-demand matchups (Nevada, Purdue) range from $20 to $80 per seat.
The USC rivalry game on Saturday, November 28, 2026, represents the highest-demand ticket of the season, with secondary market prices potentially exceeding face value by 200-300% based on historical trends.
Rose Bowl Stadium Seating
The Rose Bowl features numbered seating sections with chairback seats in premium areas and bench seating in general admission zones. Club seats and suites provide climate-controlled environments with enhanced amenities.
Parking passes are sold separately and should be purchased in advance for high-demand games, with lots opening 4-5 hours before kickoff for tailgating activities.
Television Schedule: Where to Watch UCLA Football in 2026
UCLA football games air across the Big Ten Network, ESPN family networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU), and ABC throughout the 2026 season. Specific kickoff times and broadcast assignments are typically released in March or April 2026.
Expected Broadcast Distribution
Big Ten Network: Carries lower-profile conference matchups and weekday games, requiring cable/satellite subscription or streaming service access (FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV).
ESPN/ESPN2/ESPNU: Mid-tier conference games and competitive non-conference matchups receive ESPN family coverage.
ABC: Premium matchups, including rivalry games (USC) and marquee Big Ten opponents, potentially receive national ABC broadcasts on Saturday afternoons.
Streaming Options
Big Ten Network+: Digital-only platform streams select events not carried on linear Big Ten Network.
ESPN+: Supplementary streaming service may carry overflow content, though major UCLA games typically appear on linear television.
The USC rivalry game on Saturday, November 28, 2026, is expected to receive prime television placement, likely on ABC or ESPN in an afternoon or evening window, given the Los Angeles market’s significance and rivalry history.
Travel Guide: Attending UCLA Road Games in 2026
UCLA’s Big Ten road schedule requires extensive travel planning for fans following the team to Midwest and East Coast venues.
at Michigan (Saturday, November 21, 2026)
Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor holds over 107,000 spectators, creating one of college football’s most intimidating environments. UCLA last played in Ann Arbor in 1996, making the 2026 trip a rare opportunity for current-generation fans.
Flight Options: Direct flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) operate multiple times daily (approximately 4-hour flight time). Ground transportation from Detroit to Ann Arbor requires a 45-minute drive.
Hotels: Ann Arbor hotel inventory sells out months in advance for Michigan home games. Neighboring cities, including Ypsilanti, Canton, and Novi, offer alternative accommodations within a 15-30 mile radius.
Game Day Experience: Arrive early for the traditional Michigan tailgating culture. November temperatures in Ann Arbor average 35-45°F with potential for snow or rain conditions.
at Oregon (Saturday, October 10, 2026)
Autzen Stadium in Eugene provides intense crowd noise (over 54,000 capacity) concentrated close to the field. Former Pac-12 rivalry matchups historically produced competitive games.
Transportation: Direct flights from LAX to Eugene Airport (EUG) are limited; most routes connect through Portland International Airport (PDX) with a 2-hour drive to Eugene.
Accommodations: Eugene offers limited hotel inventory; book summer or early fall for October availability. Springfield (adjacent city) provides overflow options.
at Maryland (Saturday, September 26, 2026)
SECU Stadium in College Park seats approximately 51,802. The early-season Big Ten road trip represents UCLA’s first visit since 1955.
Travel Planning: Fly into Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) or Reagan National Airport (DCA). The campus sits 30-40 minutes from both airports via ground transportation.
Tourism Opportunities: Washington, D.C.’s proximity allows fans to combine football weekend with national monuments, museums, and dining in the nation’s capital.
at Minnesota (Saturday, November 7, 2026)
Huntington Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis seats 50,805. November weather creates potential for temperatures near or below freezing with possible snow.
Flight Access: Multiple daily nonstop flights from LAX to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), approximately 3.5-hour flight time.
Cold Weather Preparation: Pack layered clothing, winter jackets, gloves, and hand warmers. The stadium provides some covered seating, but most sections remain exposed to the elements.
Rose Bowl Stadium Guide: Venue Information and Parking
The Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena serves as UCLA’s home venue with distinct characteristics and access considerations.
Stadium Capacity and Configuration
Official Capacity: 91,136 for UCLA football games (reduced from historical 105,000+ configuration)
Location: 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103
Coordinates: 34.156°N, 118.170°W
The venue hosts UCLA home games, the annual Rose Bowl Game (January 1), and other special events throughout the year. The historic facility opened in 1922 and received multiple renovations, including video boards, WiFi infrastructure, and seating improvements.
Parking and Transportation
On-Site Parking: Multiple lots surround the stadium, accessible from Arroyo Boulevard and Seco Street. Parking passes must be purchased in advance for high-demand games through the UCLA Athletics ticketing platform.
Shuttle Services: Metro operates game-day shuttle service from Memorial Park Station (Gold Line) to the Rose Bowl. Shuttles begin 3 hours before kickoff and continue post-game.
Ride-Share: Uber and Lyft provide drop-off/pick-up zones designated by stadium operations. Expect surge pricing for high-demand games.
Walking Routes: Limited nearby neighborhoods require 1-2 mile walks to the stadium entrance. The Brookside Golf Course area provides a scenic pre-game walking path.
Tailgating Policies
Tailgating is permitted in designated parking lots beginning 5 hours before kickoff. Alcohol consumption follows California state laws (21+ years old). Open fires and glass containers are prohibited. Cleanup responsibilities fall on individual tailgating groups.
Stadium Amenities
Concession stands throughout the stadium offer traditional game-day food (hot dogs, nachos, burgers) and beverages. Club seats and suites provide enhanced dining options with climate-controlled environments.
WiFi connectivity is available stadium-wide through the UCLAbruins network. Video boards at the north and south ends display live action, replays, and statistics.
Restroom facilities are located on multiple concourses with recent renovations improving capacity and cleanliness.
Accessibility Services
The Rose Bowl provides accessible seating, parking, and restrooms for guests with disabilities. Companion seating is available adjacent to accessible locations. Elevators serve multiple levels. Contact UCLA Athletics Guest Services for specific accommodation requests.
Bowl Eligibility Outlook: Path to Postseason in 2026
UCLA requires six wins for bowl eligibility under NCAA regulations. The 2026 schedule presents challenges given the program’s 3-9 record in 2025 and extensive roster turnover.
Projected Win Probability by Game
Likely Wins (3 games):
- San Diego State (home)
- Nevada (home)
- Purdue (home)
Competitive Games (4 games):
- in California (road opener)
- Illinois (home)
- Michigan State (home)
- at Maryland (road)
Difficult Matchups (5 games):
- Wisconsin (home)
- at Oregon (road)
- at Minnesota (road)
- at Michigan (road)
- USC (home rivalry)
Bob Chesney’s coaching debut against California on Saturday, September 5, 2026, sets the tone for the season. A victory provides momentum entering the home opener against San Diego State. Losses in non-conference play create significant pressure to win Big Ten games for bowl eligibility.
The October 31, 2026, Nevada game represents a critical opportunity before the final four-game stretch (at Minnesota, Illinois, at Michigan, USC) that includes two difficult road games and the USC rivalry.
Historical data suggests rebuilding programs require 2-3 seasons to reach consistent bowl eligibility. Chesney’s immediate expectations likely center on competitive improvement, program culture development, and foundation-building rather than immediate postseason success.
Strength of Schedule: Big Ten Competition Analysis
UCLA faces nine Big Ten Conference opponents representing varied competitive levels within the 18-team conference.
Tier 1: Elite Programs
at Michigan (November 21): Perennial College Football Playoff contender with elite recruiting, facilities, and coaching. Michigan Stadium atmosphere creates one of sport’s most challenging road environments.
Wisconsin (October 17): Traditional Big Ten power known for physical running game and stout defense. First trip to Pasadena since 1980 creates historical significance.
at Oregon (October 10): Nike-funded program with elite recruiting and explosive offensive schemes. Former Pac-12 rivalry renewed in Big Ten context.
Tier 2: Competitive Programs
USC (November 28): Rivalry game transcends records. USC’s recruiting advantages in the Los Angeles market create a perpetual talent edge.
Illinois (November 14): Improved program under recent coaching stability presents a competitive home matchup on potential Senior Day.
Michigan State (October 24): Inconsistent program capable of upsets. UCLA defeated Michigan State 38-13 in 2025, but roster changes on both sides create uncertainty.
Tier 3: Rebuilding Programs
Purdue (September 19): Struggling Big Ten West program provides a favorable home conference opener. First meeting since 1980 lacks recent competitive history.
at Maryland (September 26): Inconsistent East Coast program with recruiting challenges. Early-season road test before bye week.
at Minnesota (November 7): Late-season cold-weather challenge in Minneapolis. November weather creates additional difficulty beyond opponent quality.
The nine-game Big Ten schedule eliminates soft opponents and forces UCLA to compete against established Midwest programs with advantages in recruiting, facilities investment, and conference tradition spanning decades.
Coaching Staff Analysis: Bob Chesney’s System Implementation
Bob Chesney brings offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy and defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler from James Madison, ensuring scheme continuity and coaching staff chemistry.
Offensive Philosophy (Dean Kennedy)
Kennedy’s James Madison offenses emphasized tempo-based spread concepts with quarterback run-pass options, creating defensive conflicts. The system requires athletic quarterback play, which makes the 2026 quarterback competition critical.
Expected offensive priorities include:
- Fast-paced tempo prevents defensive substitutions and creates fatigue advantages
- Run-pass balance, maintaining defensive uncertainty on play calling
- Explosive plays through vertical passing and outside zone running schemes
- Quarterback development focusing on decision-making and protection recognition
The offensive line returns multiple starters (Reuben Unije, Sam Yoon), providing a foundation for scheme installation. Transfer additions address depth concerns after 2025 struggles, averaging 4.5 yards per rush and 139.7 rushing yards per game.
Defensive Philosophy (Colin Hitschler)
Hitschler’s defensive background emphasizes aggressive press coverage and pressure package,s creating negative plays and turnovers. The scheme requires athletic defensive backs capable of man coverage and linebackers comfortable in space against spread formations.
Expected defensive priorities include:
- Creating turnovers through aggressive coverage and quarterback pressure
- Limiting explosive plays with sound tackling and gap discipline
- Pressure packages generating sacks beyond the standard four-man rush
- Versatile personnel capable of multiple formations and coverage concepts
The 2025 defense allowed 401 points (33.4 per game) and 387.0 total yards per game, indicating substantial improvement is needed. Transfer portal additions specifically targeted defensive deficiencies in run defense (190.4 yards allowed per game) and pass rush (10 sacks total in 2025).
Special Teams Emphasis
Kicker Mateen Bhaghani returns after converting 16 of 20 field goal attempts in 2025 (80.0%), including 2 of 4 attempts from 50+ yards with a long of 54 yards. Consistency in field goal execution provides critical scoring opportunities in close games.
Punter Will Karoll averaged 43.5 yards on 44 punts in 2025 with 13 punts inside the 20-yard line. Field position management through punting efficiency creates defensive advantages in competitive Big Ten games.
Return game improvement represents an opportunity area after averaging 18.7 yards per kickoff return and 5.2 yards per punt return in 2025.
Recruiting Impact: Building for 2027 and Beyond
The 2026 season serves as an evaluation period for the 2027 recruiting class as Bob Chesney establishes program identity and a competitive foundation.
Immediate Recruiting Challenges
Los Angeles Market Competition: USC, California schools, and national programs recruit Southern California talent aggressively. UCLA’s 3-9 record in 2025 damages the recruiting pitch compared to the competitive Pac-12 era success.
Big Ten Uncertainty: West Coast recruits historically prefer regional conference affiliation. Big Ten membership creates recruiting challenges, explaining conference fit, travel requirements, and cultural differences.
Facility Investment: SoFi Stadium’s proximity and potential venue relocation create recruiting uncertainty. Recruits want clarity on the home game venue before committing to the program.
Coaching Stability: First-year head coaches face “prove it” pressure from recruits evaluating long-term program direction. Winning immediately in 2026 accelerates recruiting momentum for 2027-2028 classes.
Recruiting Advantages
Los Angeles Location: Westwood campus in a premier urban market with entertainment industry connections, weather, and lifestyle advantages over Midwest competitors.
Academic Reputation: UCLA’s top-tier academic standing attracts student-athletes prioritizing education alongside football development.
NFL Pipeline: Historical NFL draft success provides professional development credibility despite recent on-field struggles.
Facility Upgrades: Wasserman Football Center training facility provides elite practice environment, strength and conditioning resources, and player development infrastructure.
Chesney’s recruiting approach emphasizes “4 Cs” philosophy—Competence, Connection, Character, Chemistry—evaluating prospects beyond star ratings and measurables. The 2027 recruiting class will reveal whether this approach resonates with top Southern California prospects.
Historical UCLA-Big Ten Context: Adaptation Challenges
UCLA joined the Big Ten Conference on August 2, 2024, ending over 100 years of West Coast conference affiliation (Pacific Coast Conference, then Pac-12).
Conference Transition Impact
Travel Distance: Big Ten road games require 2,000-4,000-mile trips, creating academic challenges (missed class time), player fatigue (jet lag, recovery limitations), and financial costs (charter flights, hotel accommodations).
Weather Conditions: November games in Minnesota, Michigan, and other Midwest locations feature temperatures near or below freezing with potential snow or rain. UCLA players and coaching staff have limited cold-weather experience compared to Big Ten opponents.
Physicality Standards: Big Ten football historically emphasizes powerful rushing attacks and physical defensive fronts. UCLA’s 2025 statistics (139.7 rushing yards per game, 4.5 yards per carry) indicate adjustment struggles matching conference physicality.
Cultural Differences: Big Ten traditions (tailgating culture, marching bands, stadium atmospheres) differ from Pac-12 norms. Fan engagement and game-day experiences require adjustment from Los Angeles sports market consumers.
Financial Motivations
Big Ten media rights deal provides approximately $70-80 million annually per member institution, nearly doubling Pac-12 Conference distributions. Financial benefits fund facility upgrades, coaching salaries, and recruiting budgets essential for competitive sustainability.
The Rose Bowl lease dispute with Pasadena reflects financial tensions as UCLA evaluates SoFi Stadium proximity (15 miles from campus versus 26 miles to Rose Bowl) and modern amenities against historical Rose Bowl tradition.
UCLA Football Schedule Frequently Asked Questions
When does the UCLA football season start in 2026?
UCLA opens the 2026 season on Saturday, September 5, 2026, against California at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley.
How many home games does UCLA play in 2026?
UCLA hosts seven home games at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena during the 2026 season.
What channel broadcasts UCLA football games?
UCLA games air on Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ABC throughout the 2026 season. Specific broadcast assignments are released in March or April 2026.
When does UCLA play USC in 2026?
UCLA hosts USC on Saturday, November 28, 2026, at the Rose Bowl Stadium in the regular season finale.
Who is UCLA’s head coach in 2026?
Bob Chesney serves as UCLA’s head coach in 2026, his first season after a 21-5 record at James Madison University.
Will UCLA play at the Rose Bowl in 2026?
UCLA’s 2026 home games are scheduled at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, though an active lawsuit between the Rose Bowl/Pasadena and UCLA creates potential venue uncertainty for future seasons.
How can I buy UCLA football tickets?
Tickets are available through the UCLA Central Ticket Office (uclabruins.com), Rose Bowl Stadium box office, and secondary market platforms including StubHub and Ticketmaster.
What is UCLA’s 2026 non-conference schedule?
UCLA plays three non-conference games: at California (September 5), San Diego State (September 12), and Nevada (October 31).
Does UCLA have a bye week in 2026?
UCLA’s bye week occurs Saturday, October 3, 2026, between the Maryland road game and the Oregon road game.
What was UCLA’s record in 2025?
UCLA finished the 2025 season with a 3-9 overall record (3-6 in Big Ten Conference play), leading to the coaching change from DeShaun Foster to Bob Chesney.
