UCLA extended its unbeaten start to the 2026 college football season with a 28-10 victory over Michigan State on Saturday, improving to 7-0 for the first time since 2005. The win marked the Bruins' seventh consecutive game without a loss and left them as the only remaining unbeaten team in the Big Ten.
The game began with early struggles for UCLA, which fell behind 10-0 in the first half after a fumble and a touchdown by Michigan State. However, the Bruins responded with 28 unanswered points, including 14 in the third quarter, to secure the win. UCLA finished with 245 rushing yards as a team and held Michigan State to just 156 total yards of offense. Michigan State entered the game with a 2-6 record and started a freshman third-string quarterback due to injuries.
UCLA’s undefeated start has drawn attention to its potential as a national championship contender, though skepticism remains about the team’s resume. The Bruins have not played with starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who suffered a season-ending knee injury. Their most notable win came on the road against then-No. 13 Oregon, where they won 17-15 without their starting QB. Other victories include road wins over Wisconsin (17-7) and Maryland (54-3), though Maryland has since fired its head coach after a disappointing season.
Second-half dominance a hallmark of UCLA’s season
UCLA’s ability to rally in the second half has been a defining trait this year. The Bruins entered Saturday’s game averaging 20.8 points per game in the second half, second-most in the nation. Head coach Bob Chesney has emphasized the team’s resilience, with quarterback Ty Dieffenbach noting a locker room speech at halftime that refocused the team. Last season at James Madison, Chesney’s teams led the nation in second-half scoring, averaging 20.9 points per game.
Questions linger about UCLA’s playoff prospects
Despite the strong start, some analysts have questioned whether UCLA’s resume is strong enough to justify playoff consideration. CBS Sports analyst Bryant McFadden compared the Bruins to a rapper lacking substance, stating, “Where have they really been tested? I don’t think they’re built right now to be extremely competitive in a first-round playoff game.” McFadden acknowledged the team’s impressive start but suggested their schedule and circumstances—including playing without Iamaleava—raise doubts about their readiness for the College Football Playoff.
UCLA’s remaining schedule includes matchups against No. 10 Penn State, No. 18 Washington, and No. 6 Ohio State, which will provide further opportunities to prove their national title credentials. The Bruins’ next game is scheduled for November 8 against Penn State.