UCLA and Cal set to play in annual college football matchup
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 27, 2026, 2:15 PM
Last updated Aug 27, 2026
UCLA and Cal are preparing for a season-opening football matchup on September 5, 2026. Both teams feature new head coaches, with UCLA’s Bob Chesney and Cal’s Tosh Lupoi looking to make strong statements for their respective programs. Cal's general manager, Ron Rivera, expressed a desire to establish the contest as an annual rivalry, similar to the long-standing Cal-Stanford matchup. Rivera emphasized the importance of this revived rivalry for local players and fans alike, making it a significant event for both universities as they start the new season.
- •UCLA faces Cal on September 5, 2026, in a season opener.
- •Both teams are led by first-year head coaches.
- •Ron Rivera advocates for an annual rivalry similar to Cal-Stanford.
- •The meeting is significant for local recruitment and fan engagement.
- 2:15 PMYahoo Sports — Could UCLA football face the Cal Bears on an annual basis?
"The UCLA Bruins and Cal Bears both already have an annual rivalry game with USC and Stanford but could the former Pac-12 teams meet up yearly?
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