From Heisman hopefuls to unproven freshmen, the UCLA Bruins will see the full spectrum under center.
Here’s a ranking of every starting QB they’re scheduled to face, factoring in talent, experience, system fit, and the danger they pose to UCLA’s defense.
Ranking UCLA Bruins QB Opponents
1. Drew Allar, Penn State
The best quarterback the UCLA Bruins will face all year. Allar has an NFL arm, poise in the pocket, and a deep understanding of Penn State’s offense. He’s a proven big-game performer who can pick apart defenses if given time.
2. Dylan Raiola, Nebraska
The former No. 1 overall recruit flashed big-time talent as a freshman and should take a leap in year two. Raiola can make every throw, has a clean release, and now has a full offseason in Matt Rhule’s system.
3. Devon Dampier, Utah
A true dual-threat who’s as dangerous outside the pocket as he is inside it. Dampier can grind down defenses with his legs, punish blitzes with quick throws, and thrives in Utah’s physical, controlled style.
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4. Julian Sayin / Lincoln Kienholz, Ohio State
The Buckeyes’ QB battle will decide between two blue-chip arms surrounded by an absurd amount of offensive talent. Whoever wins the job will be throwing to NFL receivers behind one of the best lines in the country.
5. Jayden Maiava, USC
Maiava has proven he can win games and has a great season ahead of him. Add Lincoln Riley’s QB-friendly system, elite receivers, and the chaos of a rivalry game, and UCLA’s defense will have its hands full.
6. Aidan Chiles, Michigan State
Chiles is a big, athletic quarterback who can extend plays and attack downfield. His inconsistency and turnovers kept Michigan State from taking the next step last year, but with a new QB coach, he’s a breakout candidate.
7. Demond Williams Jr., Washington
A mobile, accurate passer stepping into the starting role full-time. Williams can hurt defenses in multiple ways, but he will be tested by Big Ten defenses week in and week out.
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8. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
A steady, accurate quarterback who limits mistakes. Mendoza isn’t flashy, but his ability to manage games and sustain drives makes him a tricky road matchup.
9. Malik Washington / Justyn Martin / Khristian Martin, Maryland
Maryland’s QB room is unsettled, but Washington’s upside is real if he’s healthy. If not, experience tips to Justyn Martin, a former UCLA Bruins signal-caller, or the athletic redshirt Khristian Martin.
10. Anthony Colandrea / Alex Orji, UNLV
Colandrea offers more as a passer, Orji as a runner. Neither has the complete game to consistently threaten a Big Ten defense, but both are capable of catching a secondary off-guard.
11. Preston Stone, Northwestern
A freshman learning on the fly. Stone has tools but will likely be playing behind an overmatched offensive line, limiting his impact.
12. Jack Layne, New Mexico
The Idaho transfer is expected to start, but he’s more of a game manager than a game-changer. Against a defense like UCLA’s, explosive plays will be hard to find.