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UCLA is finally ranked in the latest AP poll for the first time since the 2023 season.
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The Bruins come in at No. 23 in the Week 4 AP Poll, sandwiched between Boise State (No. 22) and Kentucky (No. 24).
What It Means for UCLA
The interesting thing is Boise State’s position and the comparable resume the Broncos and Bruins could share in the coming weeks. Boise State lost to Oregon, but still earned a spot in the Top 25. Aside from Oregon, Boise really hasn’t played very strong talent, which makes you question whether or not the Bruins could actually remain in the Top 25, despite their future result in Week 6.
UCLA will travel to Eugene, as Boise did, and take on the Ducks in a now-ranked Week 6 matchup. UCLA’s position at No. 23 gives them very little buffer if they end up losing to Oregon. To remain ranked, UCLA will either have to throw the Ducks a highly competitive, close game, or win straight up.
After four weeks of football, I am more confident each week that this Bruins team has the talent to compete with the Ducks, and a win is very much on the table. If you had told me beating Oregon was a real possibility five weeks ago, I would have never believed you.
UCLA’s Path to the CFP
With UCLA now entering the AP Poll, they should have their sights set on getting a bid into the College Football Playoff. It’ll be a tough path ahead, and UCLA will have to add some signature wins to their resume between now and the end of the season.
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Right now, UCLA’s resume simply doesn’t compare to any projected playoff team, but they will have a chance to change that coming up. A win on the road at Oregon will do wonders for their playoff chances and could even propel the Bruins as high as the top-15 in the AP Poll. However, they’ll need more than just the win at Oregon. They’ll have to continue their hot streak far into the season and be careful not to drop a game to a less talented team.
It will be fun to watch this team grow as the season goes on, and hopefully their ranking will too. Oregon will be a fantastic test on the road in Week 6, but for now, the Bruins will head into their bye week for some much-needed rest.
Today’s best reads
- 3 Storylines I’m Watching Most in UCLA’s Week 3 Matchup
- 3 Bold Takes for UCLA Football Ahead of Week 4
- UCLA Mailbag: Defense Still Has Questions To Answer
- UCLA Week 4 Injury Report: Latest Updates, Status for Maryland
- UCLA Stock Report: 3 Offensive Players Trending Up After Week 3
This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/ucla as What UCLA’s Top-15 Mention Means Heading Into Bye Week.
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This story was originally published September 28, 2026 at 3:06 AM.