The UCLA men’s soccer program released its 2026 schedule on Wednesday, outlining a 20‑match campaign that blends a rigorous non‑conference slate with a full Big Ten slate. The Bruins will begin the season with a home exhibition against UC Riverside on August 7, before traveling to face Virginia in the regular‑season opener on August 20.
A demanding non‑conference slate
After the early‑season tests, UCLA will host CSU Bakersfield for its first home match on August 24, then embark on a road stretch that includes contests against Denver, California, Omaha, Westmont and San Diego. Each of those opponents brings a different style of play, promising a varied early‑season experience for the team.
Big Ten battles
Conference play begins with a road trip to Rutgers on September 11, and continues with a balanced split of five home and five away matches. Home Big Ten opponents include Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Indiana and Washington, while the Bruins will visit Maryland, Penn State, Wisconsin and Northwestern on the road.
The schedule culminates with a marquee home clash against Washington on November 4, the NCAA champions, providing a high‑stakes finale before the conference tournament. UCLA enters its third year in the Big Ten after a 8‑6‑5 record in its second season, a campaign that culminated in a Big Ten Tournament title and a fifth straight NCAA Tournament appearance under head coach Ryan Jorden.
With a blend of experienced veterans and fresh talent, the Bruins hope to translate their recent success into another deep tournament run. The upcoming season offers a chance to test the team against a wide array of opponents, setting the stage for a competitive push in the league and beyond.