UCLA Catches Major Break in Latest Top 25 Rankings

The Bruins' remaining schedule looks a lot less daunting in the updated AP Top 25 poll.

Nov 8, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Anthony Frias II (22) celebrates his touchdown scored against the Nebraska Cornhuskers with offensive lineman Julian Armella (74) during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The UCLA Bruins (3-6, 3-3 Big Ten) are all but out on bowl game contention after their 28-21 loss to the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Saturday.

If the Bruins did in fact want to make a bowl game and complete an illustrious 0-4 turnaround, they'd have to muster up a lossless finish to the season while enduring the nation's toughest remaining schedule, according to ESPN's FPI.

Nov 8, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) drops back to pass against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Before Week 11, the Bruins were looking forward to ending the season playing against a ranked opponent in each of their last three games. That was until a massive upset against one of UCLA's remaining opponents optically lightened up with a team dropping out of the rankings.

With that being said, let's go through where UCLA's remaining opponents rank in the updated AP Top 25.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (No Change)

Ohio State Buckeyes running back Isaiah West (32) runs upfield during the NCAA football game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. on Nov. 8, 2025. Ohio State won 34-10. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The outright No. 1 team in the country continued on its dominant path by going on the road and handling Purdue, 34-10. Julian Sayin further bolstered his Heisman bid by throwing for 303 yards and a touchdown. Sayin's only touchdown was to Jeremiah Smith, who finished with 10 catches for 137 yards.

Ohio State plays host to UCLA in Columbus this week, and UCLA's chances of pulling off an upset similar to the one it had against No. 7 Penn State are about as slim as its chances at making a bowl game -- not good.

ESPN Analytics gives the Bruins a 1.7% chance as beating the Buckeyes. Much like the entirety of the season, the odds are heavily against UCLA.

17. USC Trojans (Up 3)

Nov 7, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans running back Bryan Jackson (21) celebrates the touchdown scored by wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The dreaded crosstown rivals had another great week, much to the chagrin of Bruins fans. USC played on Friday night and cruised past Northwestern, 38-17, behind a stellar night from wide receiver Makai Lemon. The win bumped the Trojans up three spots in the AP Top 25 to No. 17.

For just a small frame of the season, there was a decent chance at UCLA's quest for bowl game eligibility coming down to its final game of the season against Southern California. Lincoln Riley's squad may still have something to play for come Week 14, but the same may not be said for the Bruins.

ESPN Analytics gives UCLA a 6.0% chance to win the Nov. 29 matchup. Who knows who will be suiting up for the Bruins come rivalry week.

Washington Huskies (Dropped out)

Nov 8, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (2) throws the football away under pressure from Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Sebastian Cheeks (15) during the third quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Washington partook in one of the biggest upsets of the week. The then-23rd-ranked Huskies couldn't handle Wisconsin's defense as the Badgers, losers of six straight, upset Washington, 13-10, fresh of its first Top 25 ranking of the season.

Huskies coach Jedd Fisch, who has been a name synonymous with those linked to UCLA's coaching vacancy, has a slightly hotter seat than he did the week before. If there was ever a game for the Bruins to win during this final stretch of the season, it'd be against Washington on Saturday, Nov. 22.

ESPN Analytics gives the Bruins a 25.1% chance to win this Week 13 matchup. It's one of UCLA's best odds of the season, considering how everything has played out.

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