UCLA's Discouraging Spot in Latest CFB Coaching Ranking

The Bruins aren't viewed to have one of the most appealing gigs in college football.

Aug 30, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach DeShaun Foster watches game action against the Utah Utes during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Back when the UCLA Bruins dismissed second year head coach DeShaun Foster after a 0-3 start, it appeared the program might've had a shot at landing a true culture changer.

Since then, though, a ton of jobs have opened up, and many of them are juggernauts like LSU, Auburn Penn State and more. Needless to say, it's looking like this year's coaching carousel may be slim pickings for the Bruins.

The national media feels the same way. Despite the location and history of the program, UCLA is viewed as one of the least-desirable jobs on the carousel.

CBS Sports released a ranking of each FBS coaching gig and had the Bruins' job ranked eighth out of the nine Power Four openings. Their full rankings are below:

1. LSU
2. Florida
3. Penn State
4. Auburn
5. Arkansas
6. Oklahoma State
7. Virginia Tech
8. UCLA
9. Stanford

Oct 11, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly looks on against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Here's what CBS Sports had to say about UCLA's spot on the rankings:

• "UCLA may be a Big Ten program, but the Bruins are a true bottom-feeder as currently constructed. When you hear talk about short-term cash infusion in the Big Ten, plenty of it is built around trying to save UCLA, which finds itself in a major financial hole. Consistent cross-country travel in the Big Ten and major focus on basketball takes away from the football team.

• "The Rose Bowl is a blessing and curse as images constantly go viral for lack of fan support. Recruiting in Los Angeles is a huge advantage, but the Bruins have not signed a top 10 player in California since 2019. This job is an uphill battle, but certainly one with intrigue. "

Oct 11, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; UCLA Bruins interim head coach Tim Skipper looks up at the video board in the fourth quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images | Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images

As it currently stands, UCLA may struggle to contend for a big name acquisition, which means the Bruins' best course may be to look inward.

Surprising Name Generating Buzz for UCLA Head Coaching Vacancy

UCLA's brief resurgence reportedly shifted the focus of the UCLA brass and suddenly the Bruins may have had to start looking inward for their next hire. Skipper and Neuheisel generated a ton of national attention for their job righting the ship. Both coaches are well on their way to becoming a head coach -- whether it be with the Bruins or elsewhere.

UCLA Bruins on SI spoke to a prominent UCLA alumnus who believes that if Skipper isn't already the top option, the program should highly consider naming Neuheisel its next head coach.

Nov 8, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins offensive coordinator Jerry Neuheisel celebrates the touchdown scored by running back Anthony Woods (6) against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Neuheisel, a former Bruins signal-caller, made it known that coaching his alma mater is a dream of his, and he certainly made a case to be a candidate for his job, revamping UCLA's offense midseason.

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