Michigan State vs UCLA head-to-head: position-by-position star ratings, experience, and composite grades on CFB Matchup. They meet Week 8, Saturday, October 24, 2026.
The Breakdown
UCLA 68, Michigan State 62 — Nico Iamaleava's 5★ arm fronts a veteran-built roster starting 64% portal additions.
When Michigan State has the ball: 3★ receivers averaging 2.3 years face UCLA's 3.8★ secondary — Cole Martin and Rodrick Pleasant both 4★.
When UCLA has the ball: 3.3★ receivers hold a slim edge on Michigan State's 3★ secondary, all four fourth-year starters.
Swing factor: Iamaleava, 5★ and three years in, versus Alessio Milivojevic's 3★ and two — the game's widest gap.
X-factor: Michigan State ships west for a Week 8 Saturday road date in late October — long haul.