UCLA’s 4-0 start has turned heads in CBS Sports’ latest Big Ten power rankings, where the Bruins check in at No. 4 after being labeled a “Surprise” in the conference race.
The only teams ahead of UCLA are Indiana, Ohio State, and Oregon, a notable jump for a program that opened the season by winning its first four after dropping its first four in 2025. Under head coach Bob Chesney, the Bruins have flipped the script quickly, and CBS pointed to the culture he has brought to Westwood as a major reason for the turnaround. Chesney arrived with 14 years of head coaching experience and has built around a staff and roster that have taken a clear step forward this fall.
The biggest calling card so far has been the offense, especially on the ground. UCLA is averaging 281.5 rushing yards per game, which ranks third nationally, and the Bruins are doing it with a nation-best 7.0 yards per carry. The backfield trio of Wayne Knight, Jaivian Thomas, and Anthony Woods has powered that surge, with all three averaging more than five yards per attempt.
Knight has handled the heaviest workload and made it count. He leads the Big Ten and ranks sixth nationally with 445 rushing yards, and he is also second in the nation with nine rushing touchdowns.
CBS didn’t mince words about where the concern still lives. As the outlet put it, "The offense looks legitimate, but there are questions about the Bruins' defense. That is the unit that might keep them from breaking through into the true upper echelon of the Big Ten this season, but they are an incredibly fun team to watch, and that hasn't been the case with a UCLA team in some time."
That caution is backed up by what UCLA has allowed in a couple of games, including 24 points to Cal and 38 to Purdue. Still, the Bruins also showed plenty of bite on defense in their win over Maryland. After a quiet first quarter, UCLA erupted in the second and rolled to a 54-3 victory.
Against the Terrapins, the Bruins held Maryland to 181 total yards, forced eight punts on 15 possessions, and came up with five turnovers. Four of those takeaways were interceptions, and two went back for pick sixes.
For all the good signs, UCLA still has a major test ahead. The Bruins head to Oregon on Oct. 10, where they’ll get a much clearer answer on just how far this start can carry them.
CBS’ full Big Ten rankings put Indiana at No. 1, followed by Ohio State, Oregon, UCLA, Iowa, USC, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Northwestern, Minnesota, Penn State, Michigan, Washington, Illinois, Michigan State, Purdue, Maryland, and Rutgers.
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