UCLA vs Calfornia Picks and Predictions for Saturday, September 5th, 2026

By: Cameron Ross Published 09/05/2026, 12:06 AM ET

UCLA vs California Game Information

The UCLA Bruins will be on a short road trip Saturday night for a 10:30 PM matchup at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, CA, against the California Golden Bears. UCLA comes into 2026 after an abysmal 3-win season a year ago, as they finished the year on a 5 game losing streak. The California Golden Bears will look to replicate some of their success last season as they finished with 7 wins despite a 4-point loss in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl to Hawaii on Christmas Eve. For more College Football news, see our College Football Picks.

UCLA Preview

Nico Iamaleava returns this season for UCLA after leading the team last year with 1928 yards and 13 scores on 208 completions, along with 505 yards and 4 touchdowns on 112 carries. Jaivian Thomas is the top ball carrier this season after 294 yards and 1 touchdown on 81 carries. Mikey Matthews is back with the Bruins this season after 348 yards and 2 scores on 33 receptions a year ago. Anthony Woods also returns for the Bruins offense this year after 294 yards on 63 carries, along with ย 211 yards and 2 scores on 24 catches last year.

California Preview

The California Golden Bears welcome back Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele after he led the offense a year ago. Sagapolutele boasted 3,454 yards and 18 scores on 316 completions last year. Mason Mini is the top receiver back this season for California after 387 yards and 4 scores on 34 grabs a year ago. Senior QuaRon Adams is also back this year for the Golden Bears after 273 yards and 1 score on 20 catches last year.

UCLA vs California Pick

UCLA and California should produce one of the most competitive games on Saturdayโ€™s schedule, but the Bruins have the slight overall advantage. Look for UCLA to generate enough balance offensively to keep Californiaโ€™s defense from completely controlling the matchup. This game should remain close into the fourth quarter, where the Bruins will make the plays on both sides of the ball, leading to a road win and cover in game 1 of the year.

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  • Pick: California UCLA Bruins -2.5
  • Secondary: Over 53.5

Final Score Prediction: ย UCLA Bruins win and cover, 34-28.

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