UCLA surges to 21 rushing touchdowns after finishing last in Big Ten with 8

Bob Chesney's ground attack has 11 runs of 30-plus yards.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 49m1 min read

UCLA has already run for almost three times as many TDs (21) as the Bruins had all of last year (8), which was fewest in Via @BruceFeldmanCFB on X

What happened: UCLA has recorded 21 rushing touchdowns during the 2026 season after finishing last in the Big Ten with eight rushing scores across the entire prior campaign, per Bruce Feldman. The Bruins have produced 11 rushing plays of 30 or more yards while ranking first in the FBS in both running back and outside rushing efficiency through Week 7.

Why it matters: The ground overhaul under first-year head coach Bob Chesney has kept UCLA unbeaten in Year 1 during its Big Ten campaign. Sustaining an offense that ranks second nationally in expected points added per designed run becomes critical following the season-ending knee injury to Iamaleava.

By the numbers: UCLA has 21 rushing touchdowns in 2026 compared to 8 in 2025, alongside 11 runs of 30-plus yards. Through Week 7, the Bruins rank No. 1 in the FBS in running back and outside rushing, No. 2 in designed-run EPA per play, top 5 in gap efficiency, and top 20 in gap-run usage.

What to watch: UCLA continues its Big Ten regular-season schedule leaning on its rushing attack to protect its unbeaten record without Iamaleava.

Sources

@BruceFeldmanCFB 2026-10-23T17:26:09.086316+00:00

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