Illinois vs UCLA head-to-head: position-by-position star ratings, experience, and composite grades on CFB Matchup. They meet Week 11, Friday, November 13, 2026.
The Breakdown
UCLA's veteran-built 68 composite tops Illinois' 60; 5★ Nico Iamaleava and a 3.8★ secondary carry it.
When Illinois has the ball: The 2.7★ receiving corps draws UCLA's 3.8★ secondary — Katin Houser won't find easy windows.
When UCLA has the ball: Leland Smith headlines a 3.3★ receiver group against Illinois' 3.0★ secondary: slim edge, both three-year units.
Swing factor: Nico Iamaleava's 5★ against Katin Houser's 4★, four-year arm — UCLA starts 14 portal additions around him.
X-factor: Friday date in Los Angeles, Week 11 — Illinois makes the long November trip west.