UCLA Bruins Football: Spring Game, Rose Bowl Home, and Recruiting Updates
The UCLA Bruins football program is undergoing significant changes and generating considerable excitement among fans. With a new coaching staff led by head coach Bob Chesney and a revamped roster, the Bruins are gearing up for their second season in the Big Ten Conference. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Bruins' spring football activities, their commitment to the Rose Bowl as their home stadium, and their recruiting efforts for the future.
Spring Football Schedule and Open Practices
Bruins fans eager to see their team back in action will have several opportunities this spring. The Bruins' spring football schedule, which began on April 1 and concludes on May 3, includes 14 practices. Two of these practices, on April 5 and April 26, are open to the public, providing fans with a first look at the new-look Bruins. The spring showcase will be hosted on May 3.
These open practices offer a glimpse into the team's progress and provide insights into coaching responsibilities and the competition for first-team reps. Many unanswered questions will be addressed during these spring practices.
Spring Game at the Rose Bowl
The highlight of the spring schedule is the Spring Practice Football Game, which will be held on May 2 at the Rose Bowl. This game provides fans with a more structured and game-like setting to evaluate the team's progress and the performance of individual players.
Rose Bowl: The Bruins' Home in 2026 and Beyond
Amidst a legal battle and uncertainty surrounding the program's future home, UCLA has affirmed its commitment to playing at the Rose Bowl for the 2026 season. This decision ensures that the Bruins will continue to play at the iconic Pasadena stadium, which has been their home since 1982.
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UCLA vice chancellor for strategic communications Mary Osako stated, "UCLA will play the upcoming football season at the Rose Bowl. We know how much game day means to Bruins - to our students, alumni and fans who plan their autumn around Saturdays together. Our priority is delivering a strong season experience for our student-athletes and our community, and we have great momentum in our football program. During this unprecedented time in college athletics, UCLA will always be guided by what's best for our student athletes and the Bruin community."
The decision to remain at the Rose Bowl comes in the wake of a lawsuit filed by the City of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl Operating Company, which challenged UCLA's potential relocation to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. The lawsuit alleges that UCLA's move would violate its lease agreement with the Rose Bowl, which runs through 2044, and cause significant financial damage to the city.
While UCLA explored the possibility of moving to SoFi Stadium to gain greater control over premium seating, suites, and revenue streams, the university ultimately decided to remain at the Rose Bowl, preserving its rich history and tradition in Pasadena.
2026 Football Schedule
The Bruins' 2026 schedule includes seven home games at the Rose Bowl, offering fans plenty of opportunities to support the team in person. The home slate features Big Ten matchups against Purdue, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Illinois, and the annual rivalry game against USC on Nov. 28.
Here is the schedule for the 2026 football season:
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- May 2, Saturday - UCLA Spring Football Game at the Rose Bowl
- September 5, Saturday - UCLA at California
- September 12, Saturday - San Diego State at UCLA
- September 19, Saturday - Purdue at UCLA
- September 26, Saturday - UCLA at Mayland
- October 10, Saturday - UCLA at Oregon
- October 17, Saturday - Wisconsin at UCLA
- October 24, Saturday - Michigan State at UCLA
- October 31, Saturday - Nevada at UCLA
- November 7, Saturday - UCLA at Minnesota
- November 14, Saturday - Illinois at UCLA
- November 21, Saturday - UCLA at Michigan
- November 28, Saturday - USC at UCLA
UCLA will be off on Saturday, October 3.
Roster Overhaul and Transfer Additions
Coach Chesney has been actively reshaping the Bruins' roster, particularly through the transfer portal. The Bruins added 40 transfers during January's portal window, a class ranked No. 24 in the nation by The Athletic's Sam Khan Jr. These additions are aimed at upgrading nearly every position on the roster and improving the team's competitiveness in the Big Ten.
Chesney’s first home game will be Sept. 12 against San Diego State, a debut that will also unveil the 40 transfers he assembled during January’s portal window. That class was ranked No. 24 in the nation by The Athletic’s Sam Khan Jr.
Recruiting Efforts: Targeting Quarterbacks
In addition to bolstering the current roster, UCLA's coaching staff is actively recruiting for the future. The Bruins have been focusing on their top quarterback targets in the 2027 recruiting cycle.
UCLA has been targeting Brody Rudnicki, a three-star quarterback from Folsom High School in Folsom, California. Although the Bruins still haven’t officially offered him, there is mutual interest on both sides.
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Rudnicki is one of the more interesting quarterbacks in the 2027 class. He was a backup at Folsom during his junior season, playing behind four-star 2026 signal-caller and BYU signee Ryder Lyons, and he started only two games. Still, he made the most of his limited opportunities, finishing his 2025 campaign with more than 1,000 total yards and 17 touchdowns.
Despite his lack of playing time, Rudnicki has established himself as one of the top signal-callers in the 2027 class. Rivals’ industry rankings list him as the No. 758 overall player nationally, the No. 50 quarterback, and the No. 82 prospect in the state of California.
With a strong senior season in 2026 as Folsom’s starter, Rudnicki will likely see his national ranking rise further, and there’s a strong chance he’ll finish the 2027 cycle rated as one of the top quarterbacks in the class.
Ticket Information
For fans planning to attend games in person, the UCLA Central Ticket Office (CTO) offers tickets for UCLA Athletics events. Information on ticket packages, such as the Play Action Pass, the student Den Pass, and the GolDEN Pass, can be found on the UCLA Athletics webpage.
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