The 2026 UCLA football schedule opens on the road at California on September 5 at 10:30 p.m. ET. The UCLA Bruins face 12 regular-season games plus a potential Big Ten Championship appearance, with a mid-October bye and high-profile home dates against ranked USC and several Big Ten opponents.
Rose Bowl Stadium hosts seven home dates on the 2026 UCLA Bruins Football schedule. The toughest stretch lands in mid-to-late November with consecutive road games at Minnesota and ranked Michigan sandwiching a home date against Illinois.
2026 UCLA Football Schedule
| Date | Logo | Opponent | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | at California Golden BearsCal Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, CA | 10:30pm ETESPN | ||
| Saturday | San Diego State AztecsRose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, CA | 7:15pm ETBTN | ||
| Saturday | Purdue BoilermakersRose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, CA | 11:00pm ETBTN | ||
| Saturday | at Maryland TerrapinsSECU Stadium, College Park, MD | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | OFF | |||
| Saturday | at 2 Oregon DucksAutzen Stadium, Eugene, OR | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | Wisconsin BadgersRose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, CA | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | Michigan State SpartansRose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, CA | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | Nevada Wolf PackRose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, CA | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at Minnesota Golden GophersHuntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Friday | Illinois Fighting IlliniRose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, CA | 9:00pm ETFOX | ||
| Saturday | at 16 Michigan WolverinesMichigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | 14 USC TrojansRose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, CA | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | vs Big Ten ChampionshipLucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN | 8:00pm ETFOX |
How the 2026 UCLA Football Schedule Sets Up
September opens with a road rivalry game and early home dates on the 2026 UCLA football schedule. A trip to California on ESPN, San Diego State and Purdue at the Rose Bowl, and a road game at Maryland. That early stretch mixes the traditional rivalry with manageable home contests.
October brings the bye week, a road trip to #2 Oregon, Wisconsin and Michigan State at home, and Nevada at home. The trip to Oregon is the clearest mid-season ranked measuring stick.
November features a road trip to Minnesota, Illinois at home on FOX, a road game at #16 Michigan, and #14 USC at home. That final stretch will decide seeding for a possible Big Ten Championship appearance.
Home Games at Rose Bowl Stadium
Seven home dates appear on the 2026 UCLA Bruins Football schedule:
- September 12 vs. San Diego State
- September 19 vs. Purdue
- October 17 vs. Wisconsin
- October 24 vs. Michigan State
- October 31 vs. Nevada
- November 13 vs. Illinois
- November 28 vs. #14 USC
The USC and Illinois games will generate the strongest crowds in Pasadena.
The Games That Decide the Season
Three contests stand out on the 2026 UCLA football schedule.
The September 5 road game at California is the early rivalry measuring stick. The October 10 trip to #2 Oregon is a key ranked test. The November 28 home date against #14 USC will likely decide late-season momentum.
Win two of those three and the Bruins stay in control of their path toward a possible December 5 Big Ten Championship appearance in Indianapolis.
Where to Watch UCLA Bruins Football
Confirmed networks on the 2026 UCLA football schedule:
- ESPN (Sept. 5 at California)
- BTN (Sept. 12 vs. San Diego State and Sept. 19 vs. Purdue)
- FOX (Nov. 13 vs. Illinois and Dec. 5 Big Ten Championship)
Most remaining Big Ten games still list TV as TBA. Expect additional network assignments once the final slate is set.
Key Dates at a Glance
- Sept. 5 — Season opener at California, 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
- Oct. 3 — Bye week
- Oct. 10 — At #2 Oregon
- Nov. 13 — Illinois at home, 9:00 p.m. ET, FOX
- Nov. 28 — #14 USC at home
- Dec. 5 — Potential Big Ten Championship in Indianapolis, 8:00 p.m. ET, FOX
The 2026 UCLA football schedule opens with a rivalry road game and builds toward ranked tests. November will decide everything.
FAQ
When does UCLA open the 2026 season?
UCLA opens the 2026 season on the road at California on Saturday, September 5 at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
How many home games do the UCLA Bruins have in 2026?
The Bruins have seven home games at Rose Bowl Stadium on the 2026 UCLA football schedule: San Diego State, Purdue, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Nevada, Illinois, and #14 USC.
Who do the UCLA Bruins play on November 28?
On November 28 the Bruins host #14 USC at Rose Bowl Stadium. Time and TV are still TBA.
What channel are UCLA games on in 2026?
Confirmed networks include ESPN, BTN, and FOX. Most Big Ten games remain TBA and will be assigned later in the year.
