UCLA Bruins is 0-0 on the season, 0-0 against the spread, and holds a power rating of +1.8. UCLA Bruins enters the season with a power rating of +1.8, placing them above average relative to the FBS midpoint. The UCLA Bruins head to California next in Week 1. In 2025, UCLA Bruins went 3-9 overall, 4-8 against the spread, and 6-6 on totals.
In Week 0 of 2026 the UCLA Bruins Power Rating of +1.8 is 1.6 points above the FBS average according to Blue Chip Analytics. UCLA Bruins have logged 0 miles of travel so far, out of a season total of 13,657 miles, ranking 13th heaviest in the FBS.
| Week | Opponent | Distance | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 0 | — | Bye | |
| Week 1 | California | 343 mi | 686 mi |
| Week 2 | San Diego State | Home | 686 mi |
| Week 3 | Purdue | Home | 686 mi |
| Week 4 | Maryland | 2,297 mi | 5,280 mi |
| Week 5 | — | Bye | |
| Week 6 | Oregon | 731 mi | 6,742 mi |
| Week 7 | Wisconsin | Home | 6,742 mi |
| Week 8 | Michigan State | Home | 6,742 mi |
| Week 9 | Nevada | Home | 6,742 mi |
| Week 10 | Minnesota | 1,518 mi | 9,777 mi |
| Week 11 | Illinois | Home | 9,777 mi |
| Week 12 | Michigan | 1,940 mi | 13,657 mi |
| Week 13 | USC | Home | 13,657 mi |
| Week 14 | — | Bye | |
| Week 15 | — | Bye | |
| Week 16 | — | Bye | |
UCLA enters 2026 with a first-year head coach and a roster reshaped by transfers, especially from James Madison. The Bruins have a returning quarterback in Nico Iamaleava, who brings dual-threat ability but must prove he can win consistently from the pocket. The offensive line and receiver corps are heavily reliant on portal additions, and the defensive line is almost entirely new. The season will test how quickly these new pieces can gel.
Nico Iamaleava completed 64.4% of passes and added 505 rushing yards last season, and the offense is designed to leverage his legs. However, opposing scouts question his ability to carve up defenses from the pocket. The receiving group features transfer speedsters like Leland Smith and Landon Ellis, while running backs Wayne Knight and Anthony Woods provide a solid ground game. The offensive line, with portal additions Jordan Davis and Riley Robell, must protect Iamaleava and open lanes.
The Bruins' secondary is the defense's clear strength, with returning safety Cole Martin, cornerback Rodrick Pleasant, and nickel Scooter Jackson. They are joined by impact transfers like Utah safety Tao Johnson and James Madison nickel DJ Barksdale. The linebacker tandem of Jalen Woods and Oklahoma transfer Samuel Omosigho adds physicality. The defensive line, however, is almost entirely new and will be a key question mark, relying on transfers like Sahir West and Aiden Gobaira from James Madison.
Placekicker Mateen Bhaghani has made 83% of his career field goals, including 39-of-45 inside 50 yards, giving UCLA reliable scoring. Punter Curtis Gerrand, a transfer from Sam Houston, averaged 43 yards per punt last season. Wayne Knight also adds value as a punt returner, averaging 9.5 yards per return in 2025. Special teams should be a consistent asset.
UCLA opens with challenging nonconference games at Cal and against San Diego State, which will immediately test the rebuilt roster. The Big Ten schedule is manageable until November, giving the Bruins a chance to build momentum. The team's travel load is heavy, with over 10,000 miles of cumulative travel, which could impact performance late in the season. How quickly the new pieces mesh will determine if Year 1 under Chesney is a success.
UCLA Bruins is 0-0 against the spread in the 2026 season.
UCLA Bruins holds a Blue Chip Analytics power rating of +1.8, representing their expected point margin against an average FBS team on a neutral field.
UCLA Bruins's home field advantage rating is 1.5 points, the venue adjustment Blue Chip Analytics applies for games at their home stadium.
UCLA Bruins travels 13,657 miles in the 2026 season, ranking 13th heaviest in the FBS.
Cumulative travel distance counts both the outbound and return journey for every away game. For example, if a team travels 374 miles to play an away game, Blue Chip Analytics counts 748 miles (374 miles there, 374 miles back) toward the cumulative total. Home games and bye weeks add zero miles. The per-week Distance column shows the one-way distance only, as the return trip happens after the game is played.
UCLA Bruins: 0-0 overall, 0-0 ATS, power rating +1.8.
