UCLA opened the 2026 College Football Playoff rankings at No. 8, matching the highest position in program history. The unbeaten Bruins are 8-0, lead the Big Ten standings and have surged under first-year coach Bob Chesney.

By the Numbers
  • UCLA is 8-0 overall and 5-0 in the Big Ten, with four regular-season games remaining.
  • The Bruins are one of 3 unbeaten FBS teams.
  • UCLA allows 13.4 points and 260.8 yards per game; it has recorded 26 takeaways and a plus-15 turnover margin.
  • The Bruins average 219.5 rushing yards per game and have scored 25 rushing touchdowns.
Yes, But

The No. 8 spot is an early-season ranking, not a playoff berth. The committee will issue five more rankings before revealing the 12-team playoff bracket.

State of Play
  • UCLA’s No. 8 ranking ties its program high, first reached on Nov. 25, 2014.
  • The Bruins returned to the CFP top 25 for the first time since 2023.
  • UCLA has two home games left: Illinois on Nov. 13 and USC on Nov. 28.
What’s Next

The next CFP rankings are scheduled for Nov. 10, followed by weekly updates and the final rankings on Dec. 6. UCLA’s remaining games will shape its standing as the committee builds the playoff field.

Bottom Line

UCLA has put itself in strong playoff position, but staying unbeaten—and maintaining its place near the top—will depend on finishing the regular season well.