UCLA at Minnesota - 2026 Matchup Preview
UCLA logo

UCLA Bruins at Minnesota Golden Gophers

Minnesota logo
Saturday, November 7th 2026 (12:00 PM EST)
Huntington Bank Stadium - Minneapolis, MN  (Big Ten)

 
Bruins (0 - 0) (0 - 0 - 0)
Coach Bob Chesney (0 - 0)
Avg Score : 18 - 33 (17 - 32 on Road)
Record Prediction: 5.7 - 6.3 (#68)
'26 Opponents: (Elite: 3) (Good: 2) (Avg: 3) (Bad: 4)
UCLA is playing their 5th straight game
Our Line: Minnesota -5.5  (SP+ MINN -10)

Projected Score: UCLA: 21 - MINN: 27 (48)
MINN Win prob: 67% | Cover: 51%
UCLA Travel: 1515 miles, 2 hrs behind
Golden Gophers (0 - 0) (0 - 0 - 0)
Coach P. J. Fleck (66 - 44)
Avg Score : 23 - 23 (30 - 13 @ Home)
Record Prediction: 6.2 - 5.8 (#62)
'26 Opponents: (Elite: 4) (Good: 1) (Avg: 3) (Bad: 3)
 
UCLA's 2026 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Sat 9/5UCLA at California+2.5
Sat 9/12UCLA vs San Diego State+1.5
Sat 9/19UCLA vs Purdue-8.5
Sat 9/26UCLA at Maryland+1.5
— Bye Week —
Sat 10/10UCLA at Oregon+25.5
Sat 10/17UCLA vs Wisconsin-5.5
Sat 10/24UCLA vs Michigan State-6
Sat 10/31UCLA vs Nevada-22
Sat 11/7UCLA at Minnesota+5.5
Sat 11/14UCLA vs Illinois+7.5
Sat 11/21UCLA at Michigan+18.5
Sat 11/28UCLA vs USC+15

Total: Elite: 3, Good: 2, Avg 3, Bad 3, Poor 1
Played: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg 0, Bad 0, Poor 0
Future: Elite: 3, Good: 2, Avg 3, Bad 3, Poor 1
Wins: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0
Losses: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0

Predictions for UCLA's Schedule
Minnesota's 2026 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Thu 9/3Minnesota vs Eastern Illinois-30
Sat 9/12Minnesota vs Mississippi State-4.5
Sat 9/19Minnesota vs Akron-22
Sat 9/26Minnesota at Washington+17.5
Sat 10/3Minnesota vs Michigan+10.5
Sat 10/10Minnesota at Purdue-7
— Bye Week —
Sat 10/24Minnesota vs Iowa+8
Sat 10/31Minnesota at Indiana+26
Sat 11/7Minnesota vs UCLA-5.5
Sat 11/14Minnesota at Penn State+13.5
Sat 11/21Minnesota vs Northwestern-5.5
Sat 11/28Minnesota at Wisconsin-4

Total: Elite: 4, Good: 1, Avg 3, Bad 2, Poor 1
Played: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg 0, Bad 0, Poor 0
Future: Elite: 4, Good: 1, Avg 3, Bad 2, Poor 1
Wins: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0
Losses: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0

Predictions for Minnesota's Schedule
Important Stats (2025)
 Teams                  Off Explosive.Off SuccessPPGRush SuccessOL Yds Per AttRush YPGPass SuccessPass YPGOff ScoreZoneDef Explosive.Def SuccessDef PPGRunD SuccessPass D SuccessDef ScoreZonePenalty YPGTO PGDef TO PG
UCLA#96 (.12)42% (75)18.245% (54)3.06 (47)14040% (95)1802.98 (124)#122 (.25)50% (135)33.453% (135)48% (127)4.61 (133)65.51.10.8
MINN#94 (.13)40% (101)2339% (110)2.62 (123)10341% (77)1903.79 (60)#97 (.2)45% (113)22.943% (82)47% (124)3.84 (84)310.71.2
 Teams                  Off Explosive.Off SuccessPPGRush SuccessOL Yds Per AttRush YPGPass SuccessPass YPGOff ScoreZoneDef Explosive.Def SuccessDef PPGRunD SuccessPass D SuccessDef ScoreZonePenalty YPGTO PGDef TO PG
UCLA0%0%000%000%0%0%0000
MINN0%0%000%000%0%0%0000



Overall Stats 2025
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
UCLA Offense1218.216.841.9%2.981.1173201401804.547%51%45%40%16%.12
MINN Defense1322.91345.2%3.841.2 - - - - - 46%53%43%47%18%.2
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
UCLA Defense1233.432.250.3%4.610.8 - - - - - 54%45%53%48%12%.25
MINN Offense132330.139.9%3.790.7172931031903.641%57%39%41%16%.13

Additional Stats 2025
 Teams                  GamesPossession Time1st Downs PG3rd Down %4th Down %Penalties PGPenalty Yds PGOff TO PGDef TO PGTFL PGSacks PGD/ST TDsAvg Field Pos
UCLA1229:1117.337%48%7.565.51.10.83.30.8026.4
Minnesota1329:2317.140%43%3.8310.71.27.13230.7
Run Game Stats (2026)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
UCLA Offense1247% (88)45% (54)31.3139.64.58 (107).21 (20)3.06 (47)65% (109)9% (65)1.05 (33)
MINN Defense1346% (19)43% (82) - - - - .14 (92)2.86 (63)73% (80)13% (6)0.98 (83)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
UCLA Defense1254% (116)53% (135) - - - - .23 (131)3.32 (128)79% (116)7% (132)0.89 (30)
MINN Offense1341% (126)39% (110)28.8103.53.615 (88).02 (116)2.62 (123)73% (61)9% (44)0.89 (105)

Pass Game Stats (2026)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
UCLA Offense1251% (47)40% (95)19.130.1180.369.515 (75)7 (60).09 (126)1.3 (136)32% (75)32% (50).28 (80)7% (95)1.9 (100)
MINN Defense1353% (119)47% (124) - - - - - - 9 (38).25 (73)1.5 (35)30% (102)36% (129).42 (122)5% (122)2 (54)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
UCLA Defense1245% (23)48% (127) - - - - - - 4 (132).33 (105)1.4 (15)26% (135)40% (135).45 (130)5% (95)1.8 (11)
MINN Offense1357% (11)41% (77)19.330.7189.96.29.819 (61)7 (34).22 (82)1.4 (121)33% (96)28% (94).2 (111)7% (114)1.8 (126)

UCLA's Power Ratings
UCLA's Power Rating: 15.11  #23
UCLA's Offense Rating: 21.68  #16
UCLA's Defense Rating: 11.57  #38
2026 Talent Rating: 1000.00  #13
Blue Chip Ratio: 7%  #47
UCLA's 2026 Expected Record: 5.7 - 6.3
UCLA's 2026 Overall SP+ Rating: -8.7  #98
UCLA's Offense SP+ Rating: 21.7  #105
UCLA's Defense SP+ Rating: 30.4  #94

Average Talent
Average Big Ten Talent Rating is 916.78
Average Power Five Talent: 910.63
Average FBS Talent: 728.81

Power Ratings Matchup
UCLA: 15.11   Minnesota: 8.895

SP+ Ratings Matchup
UCLA: -8.7   Minnesota: 1.5




Minnesota's Power Ratings
Minnesota's Power Rating: 8.895  #32
Minnesota's Offense Rating: 17.09  #37
Minnesota's Defense Rating: 10.80  #34
2026 Talent Rating: 1048.00  #9
Blue Chip Ratio: 12  #34
Minnesota's 2026 Expected Record: 6.2 - 5.8
Minnesota's 2026 Overall SP+ Rating: 1.5  #70
Minnesota's Offense SP+ Rating: 23.8  #94
Minnesota's Defense SP+ Rating: 20.8  #33

Average Talent
Average Big Ten Talent Rating is 916.78
Average Power Five Talent: 910.63
Average FBS Talent: 728.81


UCLA Scoring
Offense: 18.2 PPG
Offense on Road: 16.8
Defense: 33.4 PPG
Defense on Road: 32.2

UCLA's 2026 Record
Record: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread: 0 - 0 - 0
Over/Under Record: 0 - 0
Record on Road: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread on Road: 0 - 0 - 0
Projected Score
Minnesota 27
UCLA 21


Projected Total Points: 48
Minnesota Scoring
Offense: 23 PPG
Offense at Home: 30.1
Defense: 22.9 PPG
Defense at Home: 13

Minnesota's 2026 Record
Record: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread: 0 - 0 - 0
Over/Under Record: 0 - 0
Record at home: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread at home: 0 - 0 - 0


YearDateHomeScoreAwayScoreSpreadCoverTotalO/U
202410/12UCLA17Minnesota21Minnesota -3.5Minnesota39.0Under
TeamWinsCoversO/U
Minnesota110 Overs
UCLA001 Unders

WinsCoversFavsDogs
Home Teams0 - 10 - 10 - 00 - 1
Road Teams1 - 01 - 01 - 00 - 0

(#23) UCLA at (#32) MINN
Overall StatsOvr
CategoryCatUCLAMINN
Net PPPPPPNRNR
Power RatePwr #23 #32
SP+SP+ #98 #70
Perf GradeGradeNRNR
OffenseOffNRNR
DefenseDefNRNR
Spec TeamsSTNRNR
TalentTal #13 #9
Blue ChipsBC% #47 #34
UCLA Notes
(2/17) Vibes: Up big w/ Chesney, NIL funding, hope
(2/4) New staff w Chesney. Good OC/DC combo
(2/4) QB Iamaleava was OK in bad spot. Have depth
(2/4) RB Knight (JMU) big add. Have depth options
(2/4) WR all portals but exp'd, productive & older unit
(2/4) OL has lots of exp @ G5 level. Veteran unit
(2/4) DL lots of portals, DEs from JMU, DT looks ?
(2/4) LBs again veteran portals. 7 with good exp
(2/4) CBs look really good, S has good options
(2/4) UCLA is Chesney's version of Cig plan. Promising
UCLA Injury Report
Minnesota Notes
(2/17) Vibes: Fleck good but stalling? DC Collins shaky
(2/4) QB Lindsey has been good not great. Some depth
(2/4) RB Taylor back, hopefully healthy. Good depth
(2/4) WR 3 portals needed, decent unit, needs #1
(2/4) OL big issue LY, 3 return. Vital this unit improves
(2/4) DT light on exp but lots of options. DE Smith great
(2/4) LB should be good w 2 big portal adds. Depth
(2/4) DBs hit by Perich loss, one good CB & S. Unclear
(2/4) LY Def collapsed & Off was awful. Big year coming
Minnesota Injury Report
UCLA on Offense
Balanced offense, Pass: 51%, Run: 47%
CategoryCat
UCLA OffMINN Def
PPPOffPPPNRNR
Perf GradePerfNRNR
SuccessSuc #75 #113
ExplosiveExp #120 #74
PPAPPA #96 #97
PowerPwr #16 #34
SP+SP+ #105 #33
Pts POPPO #124 #84
HavocHav #76 #29
UCLA Run Game
Balanced offense, Pass: 51%, Run: 47%
CategoryCat
UCLA OffMINN Def
Run GameRunNRNR
Run SuccessRSuc #54 #82
Run ExplRExp #33 #83
PPAExp #20 #92
Run BlockR BlkNR -
OL YdsOLY #47 #63
Stuff RateStuff #76 #55
TackleTak - NR
UCLA Pass Game
Balanced offense, Pass: 51%, Run: 47%
CategoryCat
UCLA OffMINN Def
Pass GamePassNRNR
Pass SuccessPSuc #95 #124
Pass ExplPExl #136 #35
PPAExp #126 #73
Pass Rush/BlockP BlkNRNR
F7 HavocF7 #65 #6
DB HavocDB #95 #122
Minnesota on Offense
Pass heavy Offense 57%, Run: 41%
CategoryCatMINN OffUCLA Def
PPPDefPPPNRNR
Perf GradePerfNRNR
SuccessSuc #101 #135
ExplosiveExp #99 #6
PPAPPA #94 #122
PowerPwr #37 #38
SP+SP+ #94 #94
Pts POPPO #60 #133
HavocHav #74 #130
Minnesota Run Game
Pass heavy Offense 57%, Run: 41%
CategoryCat
MINN OffUCLA Def
Run GameRunNRNR
Run SuccessRSuc #110 #135
Run ExplRExp #105 #30
PPAExp #116 #131
Run BlockR BlkNR -
OL YdsOLY #123 #128
Stuff RateStuff #94 #129
TackleTak - NR
Minnesota Pass Game
Pass heavy Offense 57%, Run: 41%
CategoryCatMINN OffUCLA Def
Pass GamePassNRNR
Pass SuccessPSuc #77 #127
Pass ExplPExl #121 #15
PPAExp #82 #105
Pass Block/RushP BlkNRNR
F7 HavocF7 #44 #132
DB HavocDB #114 #95
Program Comparison
MINN 5 Year Profile: Declining Below Avg P4
'26 Profile: Down to Top G5

UCLA 5 Year Profile: Declining Average G5
'26 Profile: Remains Average G5

Weather Forecast
Playing in Huntington Bank Stadium
Conditions:
Temp: 0°
Previous Matchups
Minnesota beat UCLA in 2024 (21-17)

  
UCLA's OC Dean Kennedy (in his first season)
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Nico Iamaleava20832364%19281376.0
Ty Dieffenbach (Tr)9216257%1305998.1
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
Wayne Knight (Tr)207137396.673
Nico Iamaleava11250544.552
Ty Dieffenbach (Tr)6732144.843
Jaivian Thomas8230613.732
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Leland Smith (Tr)43695316.245
Landon Ellis (Tr)36624517.362
Wayne Knight (Tr)4039719.957
Mikey Matthews33348210.537

View UCLA's Full Roster

UCLA's DC Colin Hitschler (in his first season)
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Drew Spinogatti (Tr)517163
Samuel Omosigho505203
Tao Johnson (Tr)503004
Jalen Woods475203
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Sahir West (Tr)4614774
Aiden Gobaira (Tr)338530
Samuel Omosigho505203
Ryan McCulloch (Tr)113241
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
DJ Barksdale (Tr)3630112
Rodrick Pleasant362007
Ta'Shawn James (Tr)330005

MINN's OC Greg Harbaugh Jr. (been OC for 3 years)
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Drake Lindsey24638963%23821866.1
Michael Merdinger (Tr)214151%350108.5
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
Darius Taylor14367044.771
TJ Thomas Jr. (Tr)9138464.244
Grant Washington2113206.316
Zion Steptoe (Tr)76509.332
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Javon Tracy37454612.345
Jalen Smith28419415.078
Noah Jennings (Tr)23323014.036
Zion Steptoe (Tr)21272013.042

View Minnesota's Full Roster

MINN's DC Danny Collins (in his second season)
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Maverick Baranowski1029331
Andrew Marshall (Tr)614130
Kerry Brown564003
John Nestor506006
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Anthony Smith38181373
Karter Menz329742
T.J. Bush3911541
Jaxon Howard296410
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
John Nestor506006
Kerry Brown564003
Anthony Smith38181373