The calls from Chip Kelly’s head started ringing out last season. And it won’t get any easier for the old ball coach next season
In 2024, five of the UCLA Bruins 12 opponents were ranked in the top 25 in 2023; LSU, Oregon, Penn State, Iowa, and Washington. They will also play the USC Trojans with an improved defense and a vastly improved Nebraska Cornhuskers team.
UCLA Bruins Opponents Facing Changes
If there is a saving grace to this high-powered schedule is that many of these teams are facing significant changes at their most important spots. Washington has lost their starting quarterback Michael Penix and head coach Kalen DeBoer. With DeBoer’s exit, Washington will also lose several players to the transfer portal. Oregon and LSU will start new players under center as well.
Penn State and Iowa remain remarkably intact at this point. Both team’s defenses will likely be top 10 in 2024 as they were in 2023.
Rounding out the UCLA schedule is Hawaii, Indiana, Minnesota, Rutgers, and Fresno State. It certainly isn’t an easy road for the Bruins in their first season in the Big10, but on the positive side they won’t play Michigan or Ohio State yet.
