UCLA Football Set for Rivalry Match Against Cal

The UCLA Bruins are gearing up to face the California Golden Bears on Saturday night at Memorial Stadium, marking the first encounter between the two teams since 2023. This matchup kicks off the 2026-27 football season and features new coaching staff for both teams.

UCLA's new head coach Bob Chesney expressed mixed feelings about the financial arrangements known as 'Calimony,' which involve annual payments from UCLA to California. The game will also highlight the presence of five players on UCLA's roster who previously played for Cal, including running back Jaivian Thomas, who looks forward to returning to his former college.

California's quarterback, Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, is noted for his impressive performance as a freshman, making him a challenging opponent for UCLA's defense. Both teams are adjusting to new coaching strategies, with UCLA's players eager to prove themselves in this rivalry game.