Where UCLA's Opponents Rank in New AP Top 25

Another week down means a new AP Top 25 College Football Poll, and the results are revealing that UCLA's remaining schedule is brutal.

The Bruins' Week 2 matchup against UNLV was huge in terms of racking up wins before the start of their daunting Big Ten Conference schedule. And yet, they faltered, going down huge in the first half before a miraculous comeback was cut short, making way for a 30-23 Rebels win.

UCLA's effort through two games leaves much to be desired, but, according to the latest AP Top 25 poll, its remaining opponents don't. Let's take a look at where the Bruins' 2025 opponents rank in the nation after Week 2.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (No Change)

ucl — Teammates congratulate Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Riley Pettijohn (20) after he scored a touchdown during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Grambling State Tigers at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025. Ohio State won 70-0. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Fresh off moving to No. 1 in the country with a victory over Texas, the Buckeyes eased through a 70-0 win over Grambling. The mid-November matchup against Ohio State is UCLA's lowest percentage chance to win given by ESPN Analytics, 2.7%.

2. Penn State Nittany Lions (No Change)

ucl — Sep 6, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) throws a pass during the second quarter against the Florida International Panthers at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images | Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

Penn State remains the No. 2 team in the nation after back-to-back wins to start the season, but many feel the Nittany Lions haven't quite been tested yet. Nonetheless, a 34-0 shutout against FIU after handling Nevada 46-11 may be all the proof needed.

The Bruins are heavy underdogs with a 10.0% chance to win their Week 6 clash in the Rose Bowl, according to ESPN Analytics.

20. Utah Utes (Up 5)

ucl — Sep 6, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes wide receiver Creed Whittemore (2) runs the ball after a catch against the Cal Poly Mustangs during the first quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images | Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Utah is proving that it may be just that good a team. A week removed from shellacking the Bruins 43-10 and moving to No. 25, the Utes are up five spots and into the top 20.

22. Indiana Hoosiers (Up 1)

ucl — Sep 6, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers defensive lineman Kellan Wyatt (13) and defensive back Louis Moore (7) celebrate after forcing a turnover during the second half against the Kennesaw State Owls at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

The Hoosiers climbed up two spots to secure the No. 22 spot in the nation after a dominating 56-9 win over Kennesaw State. Indiana marks the beginning of UCLA's gauntlet five-game stretch to close the season.

Others Receiving Votes

30. USC (2-0), 64 votes

The Trojans may very well be on their way to becoming a Top 25 teams as soon as they play some competent competition. Nonetheless, USC is reeling off two high-scoring wins -- 73-13 against Missouri State in Week 1 and 59-20 against Georgia Southern on Saturday.

35. Nebraska (2-0), 10 votes

More dominance from a UCLA opponent in Week 2. Nebraska, after narrowly escaping Cincinnati to open the season, ousted Akron 68-0. The matchup against the Cornhuskers was viewed as a "toss-up" going into the season, and now it's looking like Nebraska has a huge edge over UCLA.

38. UNLV (3-0), 5 votes

The Rebels received four votes ahead of last week's AP Top 25. Voters are starting to become moved by Dan Mullen and his squad in Las Vegas.

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