UCLA's 7-0 record faces its final nonconference test against Nevada
The Bruins aim to stay unbeaten in Bob Chesney's first season while preparing for a difficult stretch of Big Ten games.
By Noor Phillips ·
UCLA football players will take the field at the Rose Bowl on Saturday at 1:15 p.m. to host Nevada, marking the end of their nonconference schedule. The game serves as a checkpoint for the Bruins, who have not lost in their first year under head coach Bob Chesney. A victory would keep their record at 7-0 and maintain their momentum before they return to Big Ten play.
The program has moved from a mid-season slump in previous years to the top of the national rankings in 2026. UCLA now sits at No. 7 in the polls. The team has won five consecutive Big Ten games, including victories over Wisconsin and Michigan State. This performance has placed them in the conversation for a College Football Playoff spot, a first for the school.
Nevada arrives in Los Angeles with a 3-4 overall record and a 2-2 mark in the Mountain West Conference. Coach Jeff Choate acknowledges the gap between the two teams. He noted that UCLA is one of the few undefeated programs in a major league. Choate said the Bruins are not just winning, they are winning against quality opponents.
The offensive line of the game centers on the rushing attack of the Bruins. Wayne Knight, Anthony Woods, and Jaivian Thomas have combined for 1,327 yards and 22 touchdowns on the ground. This trio has been the foundation of UCLA's success. Quarterback Ty Dieffenbach has managed the offense well in his first two starts, replacing Nico Iamaleava. He has faced strong defenses from Oregon and Michigan State without major setbacks.
Chesney stated that the team is at its best when it plays complementary football. He plans to rely on the running game to open up passing options for Dieffenbach. Nevada allows 166 rushing yards per game, a figure that places their defense in the middle of their conference. If the Bruins can control the line of scrimmage, they expect to dominate the clock and the score.
On the other side of the ball, Nevada has used three different quarterbacks during the season. In their last game against San Jose State, transfer Luke Duncan directed the offense to a 15-point win. Chesney said his staff has prepared three distinct defensive plans to handle whichever quarterback takes the field. He noted that the Wolf Pack use a power read system with various passing options out of the backfield.
UCLA linebacker Sammy Omosigho leads the defense in key metrics. He is second on the team with 53 tackles. He has also recorded five sacks and five forced fumbles. The Bruins have allowed only 131 rushing yards per game in their nonconference matchups. This defensive efficiency will be tested by Nevada backs Dominic Kelley and Herschel Turner. The game will air on the Big Ten Network and on 790 AM radio.
