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UCLA football players prepare for season opener against former team Cal

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 1, 2026, 9:46 PM

Last updated Sep 1, 2026

UCLA football players prepare for season opener against former team Cal

Summary

UCLA opens its 2026 season against Cal at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley. The Bruins roster includes five transfers from Cal, marking a return to their former program for several major contributors. Senior running back Jaivian Thomas, kicker Mateen Bhaghani, and wide receiver Mikey Matthews are among those returning to the stadium where they previously played. Bruins linebackers coach Vic So’oto also carries familiarity with the opponent, having coached in Berkeley from 2022 to 2025. Both programs enter the matchup under new leadership, with Bob Chesney serving as the head coach for UCLA and Tosh Lupoi heading the program at Cal. The two teams previously met in 2023, a game the Golden Bears finished with a 33-7 victory at the Rose Bowl.

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By the Numbers

•UCLA features five players on its roster who previously transferred from Cal.
•The season opener takes place at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley.
•UCLA head coach Bob Chesney and Cal head coach Tosh Lupoi are both in their first seasons.
•Cal holds a recent 33-7 win over UCLA from their 2023 meeting.
•Linebackers coach Vic So’oto spent the 2022 through 2025 seasons coaching at Cal.

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