The UCLA Bruins football season is still many months away. However, projections for the BIG 10 are only just beginning.
In a recent projection, Jon Wilner of the Mercury News (subscription required) has the UCLA Bruins ranked 14th in the BIG 10. The Bruins, now in the 18-team BIG 10, face an uphill battle in the conference.
With six teams in the BIG 10 finishing in the AP Top 25 at the end of the 2023 season, the Bruins lag behind their contemporaries.
In addition to a coaching change and a lackluster transfer portal and recruiting showing, the Bruins look to be the same team as they were last season, only in a more difficult conference.
Only ahead of Northwestern, Illinois, Purdue, and Indiana, the Bruins trail all their former Pac-12 opponents as well as the other notable heavyweights of the conference like Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State.
Although few expect UCLA to compete anywhere close to a BIG 10 title, the Bruins do have an opportunity to play spoiler in the conference. Playing teams close this season could result in some upsets, making them a team to watch out for next season in the BIG 0.