UCLA heads into its Big Ten opener against Purdue with a growing injury list, and the Bruins’ depth is already being tested as they try to move to 3-0 in the Bob Chesney era.
The biggest name still unavailable is safety Tao Johnson, who is listed as inactive for the second straight week after going down early in the season opener against Cal. Ta’Shawn James has handled the job well in his place, but UCLA is still waiting for Johnson to get back on the field.
Wide receiver Mikey Matthews is also set to miss the Boilermakers after getting hurt last week against San Diego State. That’s a hit for an offense that had been leaning on his promise, even if the Bruins do have options to cover for him. Semaj Morgan stepped up a week ago and should again be in line for a larger role.
There is some good news on the perimeter, though. Wide receiver Landon Ellis, who sat out against San Diego State, is expected to return against Purdue.
Tight end Josh Phifer may be out for a second straight week as well. If he does sit, Brayden Loftin and Harry Lodge are the names expected to pick up those snaps for UCLA.
Another receiver to watch is Mizell, who could be sidelined again. He has played 15 snaps over UCLA’s first two games and still does not have a catch this season. Mizell missed the Cal game entirely and then was limited to the second half against San Diego State because he wasn’t feeling 100%.
Even with the injuries stacking up, UCLA still has a chance to keep its perfect start intact and send Purdue home with a loss.
In Other News...
UCLA Faces An Early Recruiting Test For An Elite Quarterback
UCLAs recruiting staff is already facing an early test for one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the 2028 class, as Bob Chesney and his group push to land 4-star prospect Josiah Boyd. The Bruins are in the mix with Oregon and Kentucky, and Boyd has trimmed his list to those three schools as he prepares to visit each of them in the coming weeks.
For UCLA, the appeal is obvious. Boyd is ranked as the No. 2 quarterback in his cycle, and the Bruins are hoping their resources and their proximity to his hometown can give them an edge when the process gets serious. With visits ahead and a tight race still taking shape, this is the kind of early battle that can help define how ambitious the Bruins recruiting pitch really is. [Read more 🡒]
UCLA Faces An Early Big Ten Test It Cant Sleepwalk Through
The Big Ten opener at the Rose Bowl gives UCLA an early chance to find out what kind of team it really is, and offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy is making it clear the Bruins cannot afford a slow start or a loose stretch once the game settles in. Purdue arrives with enough talent to make that point matter, from linebacker Charles Correa and defensive end Jeremy Lewis on defense to a backfield led by Fame Ijeboi.
Ryan Browne has also taken a step forward with the help of new wide receiver additions, which only adds another layer to the matchup for UCLA. For a Bruins team trying to establish itself in a new conference, this is the sort of early test that can expose bad habits fast, especially if the game turns into a back-and-forth fight instead of the comfortable afternoon many teams hope for at home. [Read more 🡒]
UCLA's Big Ten Home Opener Just Added One More Reason To Show Up
UCLAs first Big Ten home game at the Rose Bowl already had a clear draw, with Purdue visiting on Saturday, Sept. 19 for an 8 p.m. PT kickoff in a nationally televised matchup on the Big Ten Network. Around the game, the Bruins are also rolling out the usual full stadium experience, from parking and tailgating to entertainment options, giving fans plenty of ways to turn the conference opener into a night at the Rose Bowl.
UCLA Athletics added another wrinkle to the buildup by announcing free admission for all UCLA students to regular-season home football games starting with this one. For a program trying to make its new conference home feel like a true home, it is the kind of move that could matter well beyond one Saturday, especially with a Big Ten opponent coming into Pasadena for the Bruins first league showcase on their own field. [Read more 🡒]