UCLA Bruins Insider Podcast: Predicting UCLA's Next 5 Games

Here is how UCLA could fare over next few weeks

Jan 20, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Donovan Dent (2) drives past Purdue Boilermakers forward Trey Kaufman-Renn (4) in the first half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Bruins' next five games could prove to be make-or-break for their entire season.

In today's episode, we will break down UCLA's next five games and highlight players who UCLA needs to worry about, as well as players who UCLA needs to step up in this time. The Bruins are sitting at 14-6; not bad, but still far from where they need to be.

Watch Today's Episode Below

Game 21: @ Oregon (Jan. 28)

Jan 20, 2026; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Michigan State Spartans center Carson Cooper (15) shoots the ball over Oregon Ducks forward Kwame Evans Jr. (10) during the second half at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images | Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

UCLA should be able to win this one easily. Oregon is without Nate Bittle, its leading scoring, meaning UCLA will not have to worry about a good interior player, something the Bruins have struggled with this season.

The Bruins will still need to worry about Jackson Shelstad, a player who scored 20 points in the meeting earlier this season. As the Ducks' second leading scorer, Shelstad will get a large volume of shots with Bittle out. If UCLA can manage they should win this one.

Prediction: 75-63 UCLA

Game 22: vs Indiana (Jan. 31)

Jan 23, 2026; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Kaden Powers (3) drives to the basket against Indiana Hoosiers guard Lamar Wilkerson (3) during the second half at Jersey Mike's Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Indiana is a team UCLA cannot mess around with. While they have not had the best stretch of games recently, they are looking to find wins where they can, and UCLA fits that criteria. The Hoosiers are 1-4 in their last five, with losses to No. 12 Michigan State and a close loss to No. 10 Nebraska.

Guard Lamar Wilkerson is a player who can really hurt UCLA. This season Wilkerson is averaging 19.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while shooting 45.9% from the field. If the Bruins can limit him, which they should. UCLA could walk away with a win here.

Prediction: 81-75 UCLA

Game 23: vs Rutgers (Feb. 3)

Jan 23, 2026; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Jamichael Davis (1) dribbles up court against Indiana Hoosiers guard Conor Enright (5) during the second half at Jersey Mike's Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

UCLA should not have any issues in this game at all. Rutgers currently sits at 9-11, with some rough non-confrence losses from earlier in this season. If UCLA can win convincingly in this one, it will really help their tournament.

While on paper a blowout is feasible, UCLA has still struggled to be that dominant team this season, often playing to the level of its competition. Rutgers guard Tariq Francis could make things difficult for the Bruins as he is averaging 15.9 points this season on 43.7% shooting.

Prediction: 78-59

Game 24: vs Washington (Feb. 7)

Jan 21, 2026; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Washington Huskies forward Hannes Steinbach (6) shoots a three-point shot against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

UCLA had to play to the buzzer in their matchup earlier this season, winning 82-80. If one thing is for certain, Washington will do everything in their power to avoid a repeat. Since UCLA's win, the Huskies have looked decent, with a win against Ohio State, a team that took down the Bruins recently.

Hannes Steinbach gave UCLA trouble in their last meeting. Scoring 29 points with 10 rebounds. The version of Steinbach, the Bruins will be facing in this one is more experienced and more comfortable with his role. If the Bruins can't slow him down, UCLA really does not have anything else going for them.

Prediction: 85-80 Washington

Game 25: @ No. 3 Michigan (Feb. 14)

Jan 20, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard L.J. Cason (2) dribbles defended by Indiana Hoosiers guard Conor Enright (5) in the first half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

While UCLA does have a top-five win on its resume this season, Michigan is an entirely different beast. It will take a miracle for UCLA to get a win here, or at least make it close. While it is entirely possible, the Bruins need everything to go right.

Forward Yaxel Lendeborg will make things hard for UCLA to mount any type of momentum in this one. This season, Lendeborg is averaging 14.4 points and 7.2 rebounds. If Eric Dailey Jr is able to match his performance, the Bruins could have a shot. Still, a win here is not feasible.

Prediction: 86-75 Michigan

Jan 24, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin reacts after not getting a foul call in the first half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @UCLAInsideronSI to keep up with every story surrounding UCLA athletics! Please let us know your thoughts on this when you like our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.

Never again miss one major story related to your beloved Bruins when you sign up for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes straight to your email with the latest news. SIGN UP HERE NOW