There’s a lot of similarities for the California Golden Bears and the UCLA Bruins heading into 2026. Bob Chesney and Tosh Lupoi will match wits on the gridiron after spending the offseason competing with each other on the recruiting trail.
UCLA heads into Saturday’s game as 2.5 road favorites but Saturday’s game will be decided by small moments that can swing the momentum and the scoreboard. Here are five key factors for the matchup versus Cal.
1: Show off an improved rushing attack
UCLA needs to be better at running the ball in 2026. The team has added talent to their offensive line and running back room. Showing some success on the ground opens things up for the rest of the offense.
It’ll also be worth monitoring how new offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy uses Nico Iamaleava as a rushing
threat.
2: Can UCLA’s secondary slow down Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele?
Cal has a very capable quarterback with Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who starred with the Golden Bears as a freshman. While Cal will be feeling good about their passing offense heading into Saturday’s game, the Bruins will be feeling good about the back end of their defense.
UCLA has a lot of experience and a lot of talent in the secondary. Players like Rodrick Pleasant, Tao Johnson, Cole Martin and Scooter Jackson could make things difficult against the underclassman quarterback.
3: Which coach has his team ready to play?
Both teams could begin the season with a mammoth win over an old conference rival. It’s not just the beginning of the season either for these two teams, it’s the first game for two head coaches.
Chesney and Lupoi will need to have their teams ready to roll in a nonconference game between two old Pac-12 schools.
4: Is Nico Iamaleava about to break out?
We’ve heard plenty this offseason about Nico Iamaleava’s talent. Now is the time to piece it all together. Iamaleava has an improved offensive infrastructure, an improved coaching staff and a full offseason with the Bruins to get settled in.
If there’s ever a time for a breakout it’s primetime on ESPN against an old rival.
5: Can UCLA generate some pass rush?
Opposing offenses were quite comfortable against UCLA, especially when teams had to drop back to pass. The Bruins managed only 10 sacks all season, recording less than one per game.
If UCLA is going to find success in 2026, they will need a much more destructive defensive line led by Sahir West and Aiden Gobaira.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Five questions for UCLA heading into Week 1 versus Cal
