UCLA stunned college football with a road win over Oregon, 17-15, a result that has propelled the Bruins into College Football Playoff conversations under first-year coach Bob Chesney. The team’s 5-0 start represents a dramatic turnaround from last season’s three-win campaign and places UCLA among the hottest names in the sport.
Chesney arrived in Los Angeles after a successful coaching run spanning multiple schools and conferences. Over his head coaching career, he has compiled a 137-52 record, with five seasons of double-digit wins and only one losing season since 2010. Before UCLA, Chesney led James Madison to a 12-2 record in 2025 and posted a 55-14 record across three schools since 2021.
The Bruins’ remaining schedule looks favorable for CFP contenders, with five of their final seven regular-season games at home. They face Wisconsin, Michigan State, Nevada, Illinois, and USC at the Rose Bowl, while road trips to Minnesota and Michigan are against non-ranked opponents. The only current ranked team among them is Michigan, scheduled for November 21.
UCLA’s next game is against Wisconsin on October 17. After that, they host Michigan State on October 24 and Nevada on October 31. The Bruins travel to Minnesota on November 7 before returning home for Illinois on November 13. Following the Michigan trip, UCLA closes the regular season against USC at home on November 28.
This schedule gives UCLA some margin for error. Their undefeated start means they could likely afford a loss or two while still maintaining CFP positioning. Winning the Big Ten Championship Game, a stage the Bruins have never reached since joining the conference, would guarantee them a spot in the playoffs. UCLA last played in a conference title game in 2011 and 2012 during their Pac-12 days.
Chesney signed a five-year contract with UCLA in December last year worth $33.75 million, averaging $6.75 million annually through the 2030 season. If the Bruins continue their current form, discussions about a contract extension or raise could emerge quickly given the team’s swift improvement.
UCLA’s rise under Chesney has drawn attention because it follows years of underperformance. The Bruins’ victory over Oregon was their biggest upset of the season and showcased a defense capable of holding a high-powered offense to just 15 points. That defensive effort has been a consistent theme as the team adapts to Chesney’s system.
While the rivalry game against USC remains a challenge, the Bruins’ overall schedule and current performance have put them in strong contention for the conference title and a place in the College Football Playoff. The next few weeks will test if Chesney’s impact at UCLA can sustain beyond an impressive start.
According to Yahoo Sports.