By Pete Fiutak, College Football News
Updated February 3, 2025
2025 UCLA Football Schedule:
• Aug 30: Utah
• Sept 6: at UNLV
• Sept 13: New Mexico
• Sept 20: OPEN DATE
• Sept 27: at Northwestern
• Oct 4: Penn State
• Oct 11: at Michigan State
• Oct 18: Maryland
• Oct 25: at Indiana
• Nov 1: OPEN DATE
• Nov 8: Nebraska
• Nov 15: at Ohio State
• Nov 22: Washington
• Nov 29: at USC
Big Ten Matchups UCLA Misses:
UCLA avoids Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Purdue, Rutgers, and Wisconsin. While they face Ohio State, missing Oregon and Michigan is a big advantage, and avoiding Illinois and Iowa is a significant relief. However, they would have preferred to face Purdue and Rutgers over some of their tougher matchups.
The Good:
UCLA benefits from missing some tough teams like Oregon and Michigan. Their early-season schedule includes a game at UNLV and a week off before traveling to Northwestern, making a 4-0 start possible if they win against Utah at home. The team only faces one consecutive road trip in November and only leaves Los Angeles once that month.
The Bad:
Ohio State and Indiana are tough road games, with Indiana posing a challenge if it stays competitive. Additionally, Michigan State on the road could be trickier than expected. Home games against Penn State, Nebraska, and Washington will not be easy, and while September could start with a 4-0 record, it won’t be a walk in the park with Utah, UNLV, and Northwestern.
Best Case Scenario:
The Bruins start strong, winning their first four games and making a statement in the Big Ten race. A win over Penn State sets the stage for big victories against Michigan State and Maryland, making UCLA a midseason sensation. They finish November with a 10-2 record, positioning themselves for a potential College Football Playoff spot.
Worst Case Scenario:
UCLA begins with losses to Utah and UNLV, facing a tough road ahead. They lose two of their first three Big Ten games, including the match against Indiana, and get blown out by Ohio State. By mid-November, bowl hopes seem bleak, and they would need a perfect finish against Washington and USC to avoid a losing season.
Season Prediction:
UCLA will face challenges but should secure at least six wins. They will win at least two of the first four games, take one road victory against Michigan State or Indiana, split home games with Maryland and Nebraska, and need to snag a win over Washington or USC to become bowl-eligible. This prediction will be updated as the offseason progresses.
