Where UCLA Ranks in KenPom Ahead of No. 5 Arizona Clash

The No. 15 Bruins have been somewhat of a disappointment early this season.

Nov 10, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Trent Perry (0) is defended by West Georgia Wolves guard Chas Lewless (2) during the second half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The No. 15 UCLA Bruins (3-0, 0-0 Big Ten) may be undefeated through three games this season, but they've been rather underwhelming in basically all of their contests.

A six-point win over Eastern Washington preceded an 11-point win over Pepperdine. Then the Bruins handled West Georgia (a team playing its 34th Division 1 game as a program), 83-62, without star point guard Donovan Dent.

UCLA started the season ranked 10th on the highly-regarded KenPom college basketball rankings. Following three unconvincing outings to open the season, and ahead of their first big matchup of the year against No. 5 Arizona, the Bruins have dropped all the way to No. 30 on the rankings.

Nov 10, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Tyler Bilodeau (34) heads down court after a three point basket during the first half against the against the West Georgia Wolves at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Bruins' offense slightly decreased with Dent out, dropping to 34th in the nation with a 116.7 offensive rating. However, the defense was the biggest drop, going from 20th to 27th in college basketball with a 96.5 defensive rating.

Looking ahead, some of UCLA's most notable opponents, including Arizona (11) are ahead of them on the rankings. Along with the Wildcats, Pomeroy has Gonzaga (3), Illinois (4), Purdue (7), Michigan (15) and Wisconsin (16), just to name a few.

Nov 11, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) scores a three pointer during the first half of the game against the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks at McKale Memorial Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

UCLA's underwhelming start hasn't only affected its KenPom rankings, it also put a damper on the Bruins' placement in the latest March madness projections.

UCLA Hoops Dropped in Latest March Madness Bracketology

UCLA hasn't been able to get near its ceiling against middling teams. Their perception through three games is reflected in their seeding in the latest postseason projection.

In ESPN's latest Men's Bracketology: 2026 NCAA Tournament Prediction, Joe Lunardi has the Bruins as a 5-seed in the West (San Jose) Region of March Madness. The other 5-seeds in Lunardi's prediction include North Carolina, Michigan State and Texas Tech.

Nov 7, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin reacts to a play during the second half against the Pepperdine Waves at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

UCLA's Projected March Madness Bracket:

1. UConn
2. Kentucky
3. BYU
4. Gonzaga
5. UCLA
6. Wisconsin
7. Creighton
8. Baylor
9. Indiana
10. Mississippi State
11. VCU
12. High Point (Bruins' projected matchup)
13. Troy
14. Utah Valley
15. St. Thomas
16. Vermont

The addition of transfer guard Donovan Dent was deemed one of the most impactful moves of the offseason, and his addition has already raised UCLA's ceiling despite some lackluster collective wins this season.

Nov 7, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Donovan Dent (2) looks on during the first half against the Pepperdine Waves at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The Bruins stay in Los Angeles on Friday, but travel to a neutral site to take on the Wildcats. As part of the Hall of Fame Series, UCLA will play Arizona in the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, home of the Los Angeles Clippers.

The game tips off at 7 p.m. and will be televised on Peacock.

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