The UCLA Bruins are revving up for their 2026 season opener in just one week! Before Bob Chesney leads them against Tosh Lupoi’s Cal Bears, we absolutely gotta talk about the last time these two squared off. Trust me, the 2023 game was one for the books, and not just because it featured two future No. 1 overall picks at QB.
When Cal Stomped the Bruins
Cal won the 2023 meeting, flat-out beating Chip Kelly’s Bruins 33-7 on the road. That 26-point road loss had to sting, especially when UCLA still holds the all-time series lead, 58-35-1. Cal just went in there, took control, and delivered a beatdown. It was the last time these two programs met up, and that taste of victory has definitely been sitting with the Bears for a good while.
Those Future No. 1 Pick QBs? Wild Game for Them
Fernando Mendoza led the Cal offense, tossing two touchdowns but also two picks. That’s not exactly lighting up the stat sheet, right? But he still out-performed UCLA’s Dante Moore, who also threw two interceptions but only one touchdown, getting pounded with six sacks! Six sacks! It’s wild to think both Mendoza and Moore, who transferred and turned into No. 1 overall prospects, had such statistically rough games in 2023. Talk about a historical anomaly!
It wasn’t all misery for the offenses, though. Cal’s Jaydn Ott ripped off 80 rushing yards, out-gaining UCLA’s Carson Steele (53 yards). Cal wideout Jeremiah Hunter put on a clinic, hauling in eight catches for 101 yards and both of Mendoza’s touchdowns. For UCLA, Logan Loya was a bright spot, grabbing nine receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown of his own.
Future NFL Talent All Over the Field
Even though it was a tough day for the Bruins on the scoreboard, their defense was loaded with future NFL talent. Jay Toia, Gabriel Murphy, Oluwafemi Oladejo, and Laiatu Latu were all making plays. That’s a seriously stacked lineup of defenders, showing how much high-end talent was on that field, despite the final outcome. You can’t deny the skill.
Next Saturday’s matchup? It’s another chapter in this nearly century-old rivalry. With new head coaches Bob Chesney for UCLA and Tosh Lupoi for Cal, you know they’re both looking to kick off their tenure with a massive W against a long-time foe. Get ready, because it’s gonna be a battle!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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