No. 21 UCLA vs. No. 13 Oregon Prediction: Odds, expert picks, team and player news, betting trends, and stats

It is at the very least one of the biggest games of the Big Ten season and may well be an elimination game Saturday in Eugene when No. 21 UCLA (4-0, 2-0 Big Ten) takes on No. 13 Oregon (3-1, 1-0 Big Ten) at Autzen Stadium. The Bruins have been one of the surprise stories of the season under first-year head coach Bob Chesney, opening with four straight victories and climbing into the rankings. Dan Lanning’s Ducks, meanwhile, have reeled off two straight wins after a loss to Oklahoma State in mid-September.

UCLA's most recent outing was a dominant 54-3 road victory over Maryland on Sept. 26, a game that showcased one of the nation's most explosive offenses. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava has helped lead a unit averaging nearly 45 points per game, while running back Wayne Knight has emerged as one of the conference's most productive backs. Oregon last played on Sept. 26 as well, defeating USC 41-27 in Los Angeles before enjoying a bye week. The Ducks have averaged 47.5 points per game through four contests, with quarterback Dante Moore throwing for 926 yards and nine touchdowns, though his status has been a major storyline after suffering a concussion against the Trojans. Make no mistake: Moore’s status is the headline as we approach kickoff. That said, backup Dylan Raiola was outstanding against USC and will be called upon again if Moore remains sidelined.

The Bruins have rolled through their first four games, but Oregon and Autzen Stadium represents a significant step up in competition and atmosphere. Oregon has dominated the recent series, winning five straight meetings, including a 34-13 victory in Pasadena in 2024. Another key matchup will be UCLA's powerful rushing attack against an Oregon defense that has generally been solid against the run. On the other side, Oregon's nationally ranked passing offense will test a UCLA defense that has allowed fewer than 19 points per game.

From a conference standpoint, the stakes are enormous. UCLA is one of the remaining unbeaten teams in the Big Ten and can make a major statement in the Big Ten race with a victory. Oregon already has one conference win and cannot afford another loss if it hopes to remain in contention for a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game and the College Football Playoff conversation.

With two ranked teams, elite offensive production on both sidelines, and significant conference implications in early October, Saturday's showdown has all the ingredients of one of the most important Big Ten games of the season.

Game Details and How to Watch UCLA vs. Oregon

• Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
• Time: 3:30 PM Eastern
• Site: Autzen Stadium
• City: Eugene, OR
• TV/Streaming: CBS

Game Odds for UCLA vs. Oregon

The latest odds as of Thursday courtesy of DraftKings:

• Moneyline: UCLA Bruins (+350), Oregon Ducks (-455)
• Spread: Oregon -12.5
• Total: 58.5 points

Rotoworld Best Bets

The Advantage lies in playing the Game Total UNDER 58.5:

Oregon is allowing just 113 rushing yards per game and 3.6 yards per carry, with only three rushing touchdowns surrendered all season. More importantly, the Ducks are allowing opponents to convert just 21.15% of third-down attempts — the best mark in the country. The Bruins are averaging 281.5 rushing yards per game and 7.0 yards per carry, with 18 rushing touchdowns (tied for second-most in the nation), but while UCLA has been dominant on the ground, they have not been tested. The Bruins' 44.8 points per game (33rd nationally) and 486.5 yards per game have come against a schedule that hasn't included a defense of this caliber.

#21 UCLA Bruins

• Head Coach: Bob Chesney
• 2026 Record: 4-0 (2-0)
• Offensive Points Per Game: 44.8 PPG (#7 nationally)
• Defensive Points Per Game: 18.8 PPG (#39 nationally)
• 2026 Strength of Schedule: 51
• 2026 Remaining Strength of Schedule: 8

The UCLA Bruins Offense

UCLA enters Saturday's showdown averaging nearly 45 points per game behind one of the most balanced offenses in the Big Ten. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava has directed an attack that has produced big numbers through both the air and on the ground, helping the Bruins score at least 45 points in three of their four victories. UCLA's offense has been especially dominant in recent weeks, posting 52 points against Purdue and 54 against Maryland, while averaging more than 480 total yards per game. The Bruins have relied on a physical rushing attack to set the tone, but they have also shown the ability to stretch defenses vertically when opponents commit extra defenders to stop the run.

UCLA Player to Watch on Offense: RB Wayne Knight

Through four games, Knight has rushed for 445 yards and nine touchdowns while averaging an impressive 9.1 yards per carry. He has become the centerpiece of the Bruins' offense, and he is coming off a dominant September in which he consistently created chunk plays and finished drives in the red zone. Against Oregon, Knight will be a focal point as UCLA looks to control the clock and keep the Ducks' offense off the field.

The UCLA Bruins Defense

UCLA’s defense is built around an aggressive front seven that flies to the football and creates negative plays. The Bruins have been particularly effective against the run, with linebackers and edge rushers setting the tone through physical play and relentless pursuit. Defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe’s unit relies on speed, pressure, and disciplined tackling, forcing opposing offenses into difficult down-and-distance situations.

UCLA Bruins Player to Watch on Defense: LB Sammy Omosigho

Omosigho has quickly become the centerpiece of the defense. Through UCLA’s first four games of 2026, he ranks among the national leaders in tackles, tackles for loss, sacks, and forced fumbles, giving the Bruins a disruptive playmaker who can impact games at every level of the defense. His ability to pressure the quarterback, stop the run, and create turnovers offers Oregon a major challenge this week.

Peacock offers one of the most comprehensive live sports streaming lineups available today, bringing together the NFL, NBA, MLB, WNBA, Premier League, NCAA football, NCAA basketball, golf, motorsports, and major global sporting events in a single service.

#13 Oregon Ducks

• Head Coach: Dan Lanning
• 2026 Record: 3-1 (1-0)
• Offensive Points Per Game: 49.6 (#4 nationally)
• Defensive Points Per Game: 23.3 (#65 nationally)
• 2026 Strength of Schedule: 30
• 2026 Remaining Strength of Schedule: 11

The Oregon Ducks Offense

The Oregon Ducks possess one of the most explosive offenses in college football, averaging 47.5 points and 505.5 yards per game. The Ducks are especially dangerous through the air, averaging 346.5 passing yards per game. The player to watch is Oregon's quarterback, who directs an offense that ranks among the nation's leaders in scoring and has thrown for 14 touchdowns without an interception through four games. If UCLA hopes to remain unbeaten, slowing down Oregon's high-powered passing game and preventing explosive plays will be a top priority.

Oregon Ducks Player to Watch on Offense: QB Dante Moore

No official word on Moore’s availability this weekend following the concussion he sustained a couple weeks ago against USC. Moore is completing 69.7% of his passes and has thrown for 926 yards including 9 touchdowns without an interception. If Dylan Raiola is under center, know he has completed 30 of 36 passes for 413 yards with 5 TDs and 0 interceptions.

The Oregon Ducks Defense

While Oregon's defense has not matched the production of its high-powered offense, the Ducks have been solid against quality competition, allowing 23.3 points per game through their first four contests. The unit has excelled at creating takeaways, recording six interceptions. The Ducks are allowing opponents just 5.3 yards per play.

Oregon Ducks Player to Watch on Defense: CB Koi Perich

Perich leads Oregon with 24 total tackles and has helped anchor a secondary that has already produced six interceptions as a unit. His biggest strengths are his versatility, range, and instincts in coverage. Perich is capable of playing near the line of scrimmage against the run while also making plays on the back end of the defense, making him one of the most complete defenders on Oregon's roster. Through four games, he has recorded 24 tackles (13 solo, 11 assisted) and one interception.

UCLA and Oregon Stats, Betting Trends

• UCLA is 4-0 ATS and 4-0 to the Over
• Oregon is 2-2 ATS and 3-1 to the Over
• UCLA is 38-35-2 versus Oregon all-time
• Oregon has won the last 5 and 9 of the last 10 in this series
• UCLA is winless in its last 8 trips to Autzen Stadium
• Last meeting: Oregon 34-13 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on September 28, 2024
• First meeting: Oregon won 26-6 on November 29, 1928

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

• Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
• Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
• Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
• Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick)