UCLA Bruins football – Page 2 – Syndication Server

UCLA football drops in USA TODAY Sports college football rankings

The Bruins fall in the rankings after their Big Ten loss to Washington.

After a month of winning, the UCLA Bruins tasted defeat after their loss to the Washington Huskies. Falling 31-19 on the road, the Bruins dropped to 4-6 on the season, 3-5 in the Big Ten, and 13th in the Big Ten standings.

UCLA built momentum after their wins over Rutgers, Nebraska, and Iowa but got a dose of reality against Washington. Proving they are still far away from Big Ten contention, the Bruins head to the drawing board with rival USC on deck this weekend.

But Bruins fans were not the only ones to notice their loss to Washington. Paul Myerburg of USA Today Sports dropped the Bruins five spots in his college football re-ranking. Falling from the No. 85 spot on his ranking to the No. 89 spot, the Bruins tumbled.

With USC and Fresno State still on the schedule, the Bruins have a chance to rise in Myerburg’s rankings, close out the season with an even 6-6 record, and build momentum for 2025 with an influx of talent joining the team.

George Kittle reps the Bruins after losing Iowa-UCLA bet

George Kittle had to pay up after the game.

It was an unfamiliar sight on Thursday with the San Francisco 49ers 5x Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle dressed in full Bruins’ gear, after Kittle lost a bet following UCLA defeating Kittle’s alma mater Iowa 20-17 last Friday.

“Storied rivalry, Iowa-UCLA,” Kittle joked in a video posted by The Athletic reporter David Lombardi. “I’m just a big Bruins fan this week. Yeah, no. The Hawks’ just did not get it done against UCLA so both Brendel and one of our equipment managers put me up to this once.”

Even though Kittle faced UCLA in his college career, he joined in on the newfound conference rivalry with offensive lineman Jake Brendel and a 49er staffer. Brendel was with the Bruins’ from 2011-2015 where he was a team co-captain for three straight seasons and being named to the All-Conference Second Team twice.

Despite setting the school record in games started Brendel went undrafted in the 2016 draft, initially signing with the Dallas Cowboys before getting released and playing three seasons with the Miami Dolphins. Brendel left the Dolphins after the 2018 season and didn’t return to NFL action until 2021 with San Francisco, where he’s stayed since.

“This does feel better than Iowa State I will say,,” Kittle added, after he previously had to wear Brock Purdy’s Iowa State helmet after the Cyclones’ win over Iowa earlier this season. “Significantly better.”

UCLA and Iowa have now played each other ten times, with the first matchup taking place back in 1938 where the Bruins got a 27-3 win. In the matchup against the Hawkeyes, UCLA is now 8-2 with last week’s matchup being the first since 1985.

How to buy USC Trojans vs. UCLA Bruins Rose Bowl tickets

Want to watch the USC Trojans vs. UCLA Bruins in person on Saturday, Nov. 23? Tickets still remain for as little as $158.

The USC Trojans and UCLA Bruins will face off in a classic college football rivalry game this coming Saturday in the historic Rose Bowl, and if you want to see the Big Ten action live and in person, we have the ticket details you seek just below.

The Trojans are just 5-5 overall this fall and a paltry 3-5 in conference play. USC has alternated wins and losses the last four games, with a two-point victory in its most recent matchup against the Nebraska Cornhuskers for homecoming.

The Bruins have not been much better in their first year with the Big Ten, amassing a 4-6 total tally and an equal 3-5 mark against other league schools. UCLA had its three-game winning streak snapped last weekend at the Washington Huskies.

The USC Trojans will host the UCLA Bruins on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 10:30 p.m. ET.

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How to buy USC vs. UCLA football tickets

This historic college football matchup is one you do not want to miss if you are in the Southern California area this weekend. If you have never seen a game played in the Rose Bowl, what better time than now?

At the time of publication, the cheapest available tickets for the USC Trojans vs. UCLA Bruins are $158.

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How to buy USC Trojans vs. UCLA Bruins Rose Bowl tickets

Want to watch the USC Trojans vs. UCLA Bruins in person on Saturday, Nov. 23? Tickets still remain for as little as $158.

The USC Trojans will host the UCLA Bruins on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 10:30 p.m. ET.

How to buy USC vs. UCLA football tickets

At the time of publication, the cheapest available tickets for the USC Trojans vs. UCLA Bruins are $158.

How to buy USC Trojans vs. UCLA Bruins Rose Bowl tickets

Want to watch the USC Trojans vs. UCLA Bruins in person on Saturday, Nov. 23? Tickets still remain for as little as $158.

The USC Trojans will host the UCLA Bruins on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 10:30 p.m. ET.

How to buy USC vs. UCLA football tickets

At the time of publication, the cheapest available tickets for the USC Trojans vs. UCLA Bruins are $158.

UCLA football lands in four-star running back’s top ten

The Bruins land in a talented tailback’s top ten.

Since their win over Rutgers last month, the UCLA Bruins have continued to gain momentum on the field. Riding their three-game winning streak in the Big Ten, UCLA’s momentum is translating on the recruiting front as well.

This week, four-star running back Brian Bonner Jr. narrowed his collegiate wishlist down to ten teams, and the Bruins are one of them.

In Bonner Jr.’s post on X, the 2026 Valencia (CA) High School tailback included the Bruins in his top ten alongside Penn State, Washington, Stanford, Nebraska, Georgia, and rival USC.

While the Bruins have some stiff competition, UCLA remains an attractive destination. If the Bruins finish their first season in the Big Ten strong, they could become an emerging program with a winning culture and infectious atmosphere.

Given UCLA’s struggles at the running back position, the 6-foot, 190-pound tailback Bonner Jr. could see playing time early and have an immediate impact on the team, something their competitors can not offer.

What DeShaun Foster said after UCLA’s Big Ten loss to Washington

What UCLA’s head coach had to say after their Big Ten loss.

The UCLA Bruins lost their first game in over a month to Washington on Friday night 31-19.

Starting slow, the Bruins trailed for the entirety of the game, as their offense and defense could not convert at critical junctures. Though the Bruins out-gained the Huskies, their untimely nine penalties doomed their chances for a second half comeback.

After the game, according to Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times, head coach DeShaun Foster said of the Bruins’ performance, “I’m not going to make any excuses for us: We just weren’t at our best, and it hurts when you know you can come out and play a little bit better than you did, you know?”

Though UCLA’s loss to Washington does not diminish their midseason success, it serves as a sobering reminder to fans that the team still has a long way to go. At 4-6 on the season, the Bruins could still draw even to end the year 6-6 with wins over USC and Fresno State.

But for the first time in a long time, the Bruins coaches and players look to regroup and return to the drawing board after a loss.

UCLA Bruins defensive end wows Senior Bowl execuative director

One UCLA linebacker earned some high praise from one of college football’s most important scouts.

The UCLA Bruins defense has been a force all season long, with several notable players emerging as top-tier players in the Big Ten. This week, one Bruin caught the eye of college football’s most important scout.

Jim Nagy, the executive director of the Reese’s Senior Bowl, analyzed UCLA defensive end Femi Oladejo after his breakout performance against Iowa.

Nagy, who previously worked as a regional scout for the Washington Commanders, New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, and Kansas City Chiefs, praised Oladejo for his closing speed and positional versatility.

Referencing his two-sack and four-tackle performance in the Bruins’ win over Iowa, Nagy described Oladejo as one of the “best-looking physical specimens” entering the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.

To date, Oladejo has totaled 20 solo tackles and 3.5 sacks this year, and his numbers look to improve as the Bruins close out their season. Having caught the eye of college football’s kingmaker, Oladejo will continue to garner attention as the NFL Draft approaches next year.

UCLA football exposed by Washington Huskies in Big Ten loss

The Bruins lost an important Big Ten game to the Huskies.

The UCLA Bruins winning streak has come to an end. Losing to the Washington Huskies 31-19, UCLA drops to 3-5 in the Big Ten.

After three straight games of complementary football, the Bruins lost on the margins against Washington and reverted to early-season form.

From the jump, the Bruins were out of sync, punting on their first three drives and putting Eric Bieniemy’s offense behind the eight ball.

Unable to chew the clock and control the pace of play, the Bruins fell behind 7-0 early and faced an uphill battle against a talented Husky secondary. At the end of the first half, however, the Bruins looked to have life.

Quarterback Ethan Garbers orchestrated a ten-play, 65-yard touchdown drive, capped off with a one-yard touchdown pass to Kwazi Gilmer to bring the score to 10-14 entering the third quarter.

But in the second half, the Bruins broke down. UCLA’s stout defense allowed 17 points in the second half, and the offense stalled, save for a late touchdown pass to Moliki Matavo in the fourth quarter. Garbers finished with 267 yards on 27-44 passing with a pair of touchdowns and a fumble but could not boost the Bruins to a victory.

Now 4-6 on the season, UCLA’s chances of earning a bowl-berth look slim.

With USC and Fresno State on the slate to close out the season, the Bruins hope to win out and regroup for 2025.

Former Arkansas WR visits UCLA during win over Iowa

UCLA hosted a big transfer target for the Iowa game.

A former Arkansas receiver was in attendance at the 20-17 UCLA win last Friday over Iowa at the Rose Bowl, with redshirt junior Jaedon Wilson appearing in a Bruins jacket during an unofficial visit last week.

“Everything was great,” Wilson said to UCLA Rivals’ reporter Tracy McDannald. “I loved the atmosphere, loved the fans and how the team played hard.”

Wilson played just one game this season with Arkansas, where he didn’t catch a single ball. Then in September, he announced he was stepping away from the team on his Instagram account.

“I am looking forward to the next chapter of my life as I will continue to dedicate myself to playing at the highest level of college football,” Wilson said in the message. “I love the sport and my passion to play is greater than ever.”

In early October, Wilson entered the transfer portal. In 22 career games with Arkansas, the former three-star recruit put up 18 receptions for 248 yards and two touchdowns. The Bruins’ leading two receiving leaders, tight end Moliki Matavao and wide receiver Logan Loya are both seniors, so UCLA will need help filling their roles in 2025.

If Wilson is looking to play at the “highest level of college football” then the Rose Bowl seems like it’d be an intriguing venue for him to call home, especially with the Bruins showing fight in the Big Ten, as DeShaun Foster’s team has now won three in a row.