UCLA Opponents Rise High and Fall Hard in Updated FPI

The Bruins already have a daunting schedule ahead, which makes their remaining slate the toughest in the nation.

Oct 11, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; UCLA Bruins offensive linemen celebrate a touchdown with running back Jaivian Thomas (21) in the third quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images | Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images

The UCLA Bruins (3-4, 3-1 Big Ten) remain one of the hottest teams in college football after pulling out a grueling 20-17 win against the Maryland Terrapins.

Sep 2, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; Coastal Carolina Chanticleers offensive lineman Will McDonald (66) loses his helmet as he is stopped by the UCLA Bruins offense after an interception in the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Bruins aren't the only team stacking wins to this point in the season; many of their remaining opponents are some of the best teams in the nation, giving UCLA one of the toughest remaining schedules in all of college football.

UCLA moved up three spots to No. 64 on ESPN's updated Football Power Index (FPI), and its strength of schedule remains atop all 136 FBS teams. With that being said, let's take a look at where the Bruins' remaining opponents rank on the FPI.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (27.2 FPI Rating)

Yet another dominant outing from the No.1 team in the country. The Buckeyes received 60 of the 66 total first-place votes on this week's AP Top 25 poll after a 34-0 shutout on the road against Wisconsin. Although Indiana is creeping, Ohio State has looked far and away like the best team in the nation since beating then-top-ranked Texas to open the season.

UCLA goes on the road against Ohio State on Saturday, Nov. 15. The Buckeyes don't play a ranked opponent at all for the rest of the season, making way for an unbeaten year. Naturally, ESPN gives the Bruins a 2.2% chance to beat Ohio State in Week 12.

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) prepares to put the ball in play during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin. | Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

4. Indiana Hoosiers (22.7 FPI Rating)

The Hoosiers just keep on climbing, winning their seventh-straight game of the season and reaching their highest spot on the updated AP Top 25 Poll, moving up to No. 2 in the country after a dominant 38-13 win against Michigan State.

Indiana is UCLA's next opponent, and two of the hottest teams in the Big Ten will be taking the national stage on FOX's Big Noon Kickoff in Bloomington on Saturday. The Bruins clash against the 2nd-ranked Hoosiers at 9 a.m. PT this weekend. Coverage on FOX will begin at 7 a.m. PT. ESPN gives UCLA a 3.8% chance to win the game.

Oct 18, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers tight end Holden Staes (19) and wide receiver Elijah Sarratt (13) celebrate after a touchdown during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

8. USC Trojans (19.3 FPI Rating)

Weeks where UCLA won and USC lost came few and far between in the first half of the season, but they're becoming more regular since Tim Skipper took over. No. 20 USC took to the road to take on No. 13 Notre Dame and lost, 34-24, dropping out of this week's AP poll. The Trojans, however, did receive 97 votes.

The Bruins go to the Coliseum in the final game of the week to take on the Trojans on Nov. 29. As we've chronicled dating back to the offseason, this game could have major bowl game implications, especially if UCLA continues to keep on its level of play throughout the season.

Assuming the Bruins lose to Ohio State and Indiana, that means they'll have to beat Nebraska, Washington and USC to finish the season 6-6 and get a bowl game bid. Watch out for this game and the storylines it may have around it as the season plays out.

Notre Dame linebacker Jaylen Sneed (3) rushes Southern California quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) in the first half of a NCAA football game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in South Bend. | MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

22. Washington Huskies (11.5 FPI Ratings)

Fresh off two straight wins, the Huskies traveled to Ann Arbor, and the Wolverines were just too much, losing to Michigan 24-7. Washington received 36 votes in last week's Top 25 poll. This week? None.

The Huskies make their way to Pasadena in Week 13 for UCLA's final home game of the season. There's still a ton of time until the former Pac-12 clash hits the screen on Nov. 22, but if the Bruins can keep up their momentum, ESPN's 26.6% matchup predictor may prove to be too small a figure.

Oct 18, 2025; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (2) passes in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

31. Nebraska Cornhuskers (9.8 FPI Rating)

Just a week after reaching the Top 25 for the first time all season, Nebraska faltered on the road against Minnesota, 24-9. The No. 25-ranked Cornhuskers allowed nine sacks on quarterback Dylan Raiola.

UCLA takes on Indiana this week, and then goes on a bye week before hosting Nebraska on Saturday, Nov. 8. A lot can change before the two match up in three weeks, but right now, ESPN gives the Bruins a 34.8% chance to win the game, which is a massive improvement from even last week's percentage.

Oct 17, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) looks on during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

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