UCLA vs California head-to-head: position-by-position star ratings, experience, and composite grades on CFB Matchup. They meet Week 1, Saturday, September 5, 2026.
The Breakdown
UCLA's 68 composite nips California's 65; Nico Iamaleava's 5★ arm is the difference. Veteran-built Bruins, 14 portal starters.
When UCLA has the ball: The 3.2★ O-line draws California's 3.5★, 3.5-year D-line; 3.3★ receivers get the softer 3.0★ secondary.
When California has the ball: Adam Mohammed's 4★ carries attack a 3.3★ Bruin linebacker group; 3.7★ receivers face UCLA's 3.8★ secondary.
Swing factor: Nico Iamaleava, 5★ and three years, against Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, 4★ with one — biggest gap on the field.
X-factor: Season opener on a Saturday in Berkeley — California hosts with no tape on either side.