UCLA Football's 2026 Schedule Revealed as Bruins Prepare for Big Ten Year Three

Bruins to face nine Big Ten opponents, including several historic matchups, in 2026 season

Jan. 27, 2026 at 9:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

UCLA Athletics has officially unveiled the Bruins' 2026 football schedule, which features a 12-game regular season with nine Big Ten contests and three non-conference games. The schedule includes seven home games at the Rose Bowl, a season-opening rivalry matchup against California, and several historic Big Ten opponents visiting Pasadena for the first time in decades.

Why it matters

As UCLA continues its transition into the Big Ten Conference, the 2026 schedule provides an opportunity for the Bruins to establish themselves against a challenging slate of conference foes, while also renewing several West Coast rivalries. The mix of home and away games, as well as the blend of Big Ten and non-conference opponents, will test UCLA's depth and preparation under new head coach Bob Chesney.

The details

The Bruins' 2026 schedule opens on the road against California on Sept. 5, marking the debut of head coach Bob Chesney. UCLA then hosts San Diego State on Sept. 12 before beginning Big Ten play the following week against Purdue at the Rose Bowl. The Bruins will face Maryland on the road on Sept. 26 before a bye week, then travel to Eugene to take on Oregon on Oct. 10. A three-game homestand against Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Nevada follows, before UCLA closes the regular season with road trips to Minnesota and Michigan, sandwiching a home date against Illinois. The Bruins will host USC in the Battle for L.A. on Nov. 28 to wrap up the regular season.

  • The 2026 UCLA football season opens on September 5.
  • UCLA hosts San Diego State on September 12.
  • UCLA begins Big Ten play on September 19 against Purdue.
  • UCLA travels to face Maryland on September 26.
  • UCLA travels to face Oregon on October 10.

The players

Bob Chesney

The new head coach of the UCLA Bruins football team.

California

UCLA's season-opening opponent, a longtime West Coast rival.

Purdue

The Boilermakers will make their first trip to the Rose Bowl since 1979 to face UCLA in the Bruins' Big Ten opener.

Maryland

UCLA will travel east to face the Terrapins, renewing a series that dates back to 1955.

Oregon

The Bruins and Ducks will meet in a matchup steeped in history, with UCLA holding a slight all-time edge in the series.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Game times and television assignments for the 2026 UCLA football season will be announced at a later date. Season tickets for the upcoming campaign are currently available through UCLA Athletics.

The takeaway

UCLA's 2026 schedule provides an exciting blend of historic Big Ten matchups, cross-country travel, and marquee home games as the Bruins continue their transition into the conference. The mix of opponents and locations will test the team's depth and preparation under new leadership, setting the stage for a pivotal second season in the Big Ten.