Why UCLA vs Cal is must-watch in Week 1: New coaches and a Pac-12 after dark revival
UCLA and Cal usher in new coaches bringing in hype. The reward is high for the winner in this rivalry renewed.
As the first full Saturday of the 2026 college football season approaches, a late-night call may tempt you to check your phone. The Pac-12 after dark revival brings a highly anticipated matchup between UCLA and Cal, reigniting a long-standing rivalry. This game marks a new era for both schools, as they enter the season with new coaches and high expectations.
The rivalry between Cal and UCLA, two pillars of the University of California system, has intensified with the schools now playing as non-conference opponents. In 2023, Cal's departure from the Pac-12 led to a $10 million payment from UCLA to Cal in what is now known as Calimony. This financial settlement only fueled the existing animosity between fans of both teams.
Enter 2026, and a new coach, Tosh Lupoi, leads Cal as he tries to revitalize the program after a series of middling seasons. Meanwhile, Bob Chesney has brought optimism to UCLA, retaining key players and bringing in new talent. Both teams enter the season with high hopes, and the stakes couldn't be higher.
As the home team, Cal will play at California Memorial Stadium, which is expected to be nearly sold out. The atmosphere is sure to be electric, with both coaches emphasizing the importance of starting off with a win. The winner of this matchup stands to gain a significant boost in confidence, while the loser will have to work hard to regain fan support.
This UCLA vs Cal game promises to be a must-watch, with personal connections and high-stakes excitement. Fans shouldn't miss out on the action, as the clash between these two powerhouse programs is set to be a memorable start to the college football season.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
