Why the Big Ten Is UCLA’s To Lose Next Season

Exploring UCLA's odds of making real noise in the Big Ten next season.

Nov 22, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) sets to pass the ball during the first half against the Washington Huskies at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Following what has already been a very successful offseason for UCLA, it is clear the Bruins are in a position to make some noise in the Big Ten.

While it is unlikely that UCLA goes 9-0 in conference play next season, the Bruins could definitely turn some heads and even compete for a Big Ten championship if everything goes their way. For that to happen, however, UCLA will need to surpass nearly every expectation set for the program, something that could be achieved by evaluating the current factors.

Schedule Is Good News

Nov 8, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Anthony Woods (6) celebrates his touchdown scored against the Nebraska Cornhuskers with wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer (3) and quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Next season, UCLA has a fairly manageable Big Ten schedule. The Bruins will face Purdue, Maryland, Oregon, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, and USC. Many of these teams struggled to break .500 in conference play, let alone overall. That opens the door significantly for UCLA.

However, it is clear from the schedule that UCLA will need to worry about Oregon, Michigan, and USC. Those three programs present very different challenges and have proven to be strong Big Ten teams. If UCLA can sneak a win against any of them, the Bruins will be in a great position next season.

Indiana's Dominique Ratcliff (91) pressures UCLA's Nico Iamaleava (9) during the Indiana versus UCLA football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. | Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The only reason UCLA’s window is even slightly open to compete for the Big Ten is because of the regression among some of the conference’s elite programs. For example, Indiana is losing Fernando Mendoza, and Michigan is beginning a new era with a new head coach.

Those are two teams that were among the conference’s strongest and could potentially slide down the standings by the time December rolls around. As long as UCLA handles its business, the Bruins could find themselves in some serious conversations. However, that is much easier said than done.

Caveates

Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; James Madison Dukes head coach Bob Chesney looks on during the first quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

The one factor that could hold UCLA back next season is the adjustment to a new head coach. Bob Chesney retained many of UCLA’s current players, but he also brought in several new additions who are unfamiliar with his system.

To counter that, it is important to remember that Chesney also brought several players with him from James Madison. Not only did he bring players, but he also added Colin Hitschler and Dean Kennedy, who served as the defensive coordinator and offensive coordinator at James Madison last season.

Jan 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head football coach Bob Chesney is introduced during the basketball game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

While much of UCLA’s offseason hype can blur reality, college football has shown that one-year turnarounds are possible. As it stands now, UCLA appears to have the blueprint to turn things around quickly, putting the Bruins in position to compete for a College Football Playoff spot.