UCLA Opens at No. 8 in College Football Playoff Rankings

UCLA’s 8-0 start has lifted the Bruins to No. 8 in the College Football Playoff committee’s opening rankings. Under the 12-team format, the top eight teams in the final rankings host first-round games, while the top four receive byes. The placement marks the first time UCLA has been ranked in a position that would qualify for the expanded playoff field. USC, at 7-2, was ranked No. 20.

The Bruins, who are 5-0 in Big Ten play, have not been ranked since October 2023. Their highest previous CFP ranking was also No. 8, in 2014, when the playoff had four teams. UCLA’s schedule now gets tougher, and its résumé includes one win over a team that was ranked at the time: Oregon, which has since dropped out of the rankings.

UCLA visits Minnesota on November 7. The Golden Gophers are 5-3 overall and 3-2 in conference play, and have beaten Michigan and Iowa this season. The Bruins then host Illinois on November 13 before traveling to face Michigan on November 21.

UCLA and USC could meet at the Rose Bowl on November 28 with playoff hopes at stake. That scenario depends on USC first beating Indiana on November 14 and Maryland the following week. UCLA’s ranking leaves it well placed, but the upcoming games will shape whether it can hold its position and reach the postseason.