Where UCLA's 2025 Opponents Rank in Updated B1G Power Rankings

The Bruins may have their work cut out for them in conference play this season.

Oct 5, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) pushes his way into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images | Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

Despite starting their first season of the DeShaun Foster era slow, UCLA finished the season showing true promise as a Big Ten Conference member.

That momentum needs to translate to this next season, and Foster has done a great job at creating even more promise in Westwood, including the acquisition of former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava through the transfer portal.

However, the Bruins' conference schedule in their second season in the Big Ten is no cakewalk. ESPN released a complete conference power ranking, and UCLA is ranked 14th and plays five of the top 10 teams in the conference.

With that being said, let's check out were ESPN ranks UCLA's conference opponents and what they have to say about them entering the season:

1. Penn State Nittany Lions - Oct. 4

Oct 5, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions punter Riley Thompson (95) punts the ball as UCLA Bruins linebacker Ty Lee (33) attempts to block during the fourth quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images | Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

"If not this year, then when for the Nittany Lions? As other Big Ten powers sift through QB questions, Penn State features three-year starter Drew Allar, who has the makeup to be a first-round pick next spring. Throw in a dominant running game spearheaded by Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen and a talented defense now led by veteran coordinator Jim Knowles, the Nittany Lions have the pieces to win the Big Ten -- and even the national title."

2. Ohio State Buckeyes, Nov. 15

Jan 1, 1976; Pasadena, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; UCLA Bruins halfback Eddie Ayers (30) runs with the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the 1976 Rose Bowl. The Bruins defeated the Buckeyes 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-Imagn Images | Malcolm Emmons-Imagn Images

"The defending national champions lost a record-tying 14 players to the NFL and must fill significant holes at quarterback and along both the offensive and defensive lines. But Ohio State also has arguably the nation's best two players in wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs, other standouts such as wide receiver Carnell Tate and linebacker Sonny Styles, and notable transfers such as tight end Max Klare (Purdue). Never count out the Buckeyes."

6. Indiana Hoosiers, Oct. 25

Sep 14, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; Indiana Hoosiers running back Justice Ellison (6) carries the ball against UCLA Bruins linebacker Kain Medrano (20) in the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

"How will Coach Cig (Curt Cignetti) follow a historic debut that featured a team-record 11 wins and a once unthinkable CFP appearance? Indiana retained All-Big Ten players on both sides of the ball, and added quarterback Fernando Mendoza and several notable offensive linemen in the portal. The key for IU will be better line-of-scrimmage play in its biggest games, as the schedule doesn't look nearly as favorable."

8. Nebraska Cornhuskers, Nov. 8

Nov 2, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Jacory Barney Jr. (17) catches a pass against UCLA Bruins defensive back K.J. Wallace (7) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

"After reaching a bowl game for the first time since 2016, Nebraska is targeting much bigger goals under third-year coach Matt Rhule. The Huskers have a favorable schedule with no true road games until Oct. 11 and no Ohio State or Oregon. Quarterback Dylan Raiola has had a full offseason to develop under playcaller Dana Holgorsen."

9. USC Trojans, Nov. 29

Nov 23, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive back Ramon Henderson (11), linebacker Carson Schwesinger (in back), and linebacker Kain Medrano (20) try to stop USC Trojans wide receiver Kyron Hudson (10) during the fourth quarter at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

"The Trojans lost five games by one score last season, tied for the most in the FBS. Playing from ahead will be critical for the Trojans, who trailed in 11 of their 13 games in 2024. The defense under first-year coordinator D'Anton Lynn took a step forward last season, but the Trojans need more improvement -- they still allowed 5.83 yards per play (15th in the Big Ten)."

11. Washington Huskies, Nov. 22

Nov 15, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Will Rogers (7) tackles UCLA Bruins defensive back Devin Kirkwood (3) after Kirkwood intercepted a pass during the second half at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

"The Huskies are excited about the potential of sophomore QB Demond Williams Jr., who passed for 374 yards and totaled five touchdowns in Washington's bowl loss to Louisville. If Williams builds off that performance, the Huskies could surprise offensively, with 1,000-yard rusher Jonah Coleman flanking him in the backfield."

12. Michigan State Spartans, Oct. 11

Michigan State's receiver Omari Kelly catches a pass during football practice on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

"After a tough first year and a relatively quiet offseason, Michigan State could creep up on teams during coach Jonathan Smith's second year. The Spartans made some key portal additions at offensive line and wide receiver to help second-year starting quarterback Aidan Chiles. Areas to improve include takeaways and better play on the road, where MSU was 1-4 in 2024."

16. Northwestern Wildcats, Sep. 27

Nov 11, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; General view of a Northwestern Wildcats helmet on the sidelines during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

"After bottoming out on offense in 2024, Northwestern had its most successful winter transfer portal haul, which included quarterback Preston Stone (SMU), wide receiver Griffin Wilde (South Dakota State) and several linemen. The Wildcats face a huge opener at Tulane and several tricky Big Ten road contests, but bowl eligibility should be within sight."

17. Maryland Terrapins, Oct. 18

Sep 30, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A general view of Maryland Terrapins helmets during pre game before a game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images | Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

"Coach Mike Locksley recently admitted he lost the locker room in 2024 over which players to pay, as the Terrapins stumbled to a 1-8 Big Ten record. Maryland doesn't have much coming back offensively, either, though keeping four-star QB Malik Washington in state has given the Terrapins an intriguing player to rebuild around. The true freshman is battling UCLA transfer Justyn Martin and redshirt freshman Khristian Martin for the starting QB job."

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