Week 2 Shift: Bruins Emerge As Favorites vs UNLV

Following the Rebels' narrow victory over FCS Idaho State, UCLA now goes into Las Vegas as the favorite.

September 10, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Jordan Lasley (2) runs the ball for a first down against the defense of UNLV Rebels defensive back Darius Mouton (21) during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Ahead of the 2025 season, the UCLA Bruins were widely deemed slight underdogs in their road Week 2 matchup against the UNLV Rebels.

However, in a sudden turn of events, after Dan Mullen and his program opened up the season with a narrow (and I mean narrow) 38-31 victory over the FCS Idaho State Bengals, ESPN's matchup predictor now pegs the Bruins as favorites come Sept. 9.

Nov 20, 2021; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Florida Gators head coach Dan Mullen watches play against the Missouri Tigers during the game at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Prior to UNLV's Week 0 bout, UCLA was given a 41.9% chance to beat the Rebels in Allegiant Stadium for the second game of the season. As ESPN updated its Football Power Index (FPI), UNLV dropped 12 spots in the national rankings, and the Bruins now have a 51.5% chance to come out as victors.

UCLA's Path To An Undefeated Start

If the Bruins are the improved team many think they are, the UNLV matchup can be more than just a non-conference toss-up. UCLA's non-conference slate to open up the season presents an opportunity to set an impressive tone going into Big Ten play.

Utah in Week 1 will be the ultimate litmus test. Following an offseason of major turnover and, most notably, the addition of former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava, UCLA comes into the season with a ton of expectations. The Utes are a great first test.

Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) throws during the second half of the College Football Playoff first round game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Dec. 22, 2024. Ohio State won 42-17. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The two games after the Bruins' season opener -- against UNLV and New Mexico -- give them a realistic chance to start the season 3-0 before traveling to Northwestern to open up conference play against a Wildcats team they will be favored against as well.

Between the improvement up and down the roster through the transfer portal, DeShaun Foster's natural improvement in year two and after his first full offseason, and Iamaleava flat out raising the Bruins' ceiling this season, a 4-0 start before taking on Penn State in Week 6 isn't too far-fetched.

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