Purdue vs. UCLA: Big Ten opener pits Boilermakers against unbeaten Bruins
Purdue football (1-1) opens Big Ten play tonight with a late-night trip to Pasadena to face undefeated UCLA (2-0) at the Rose Bowl. Kickoff is set for 11 p.m. ET, and the Boilermakers are chasing their first conference win since 2023.
For Iowa fans, the game offers a glimpse of two future conference opponents, but for Purdue, it is a chance to prove its high-powered offense can keep pace with a Bruins squad that has dominated on the ground.
How to watch Purdue vs. UCLA tonight
TV: BTN
Time: 11 p.m. ET, Saturday, Sept. 19
Location: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
Fans can also stream the game through a free trial of Fubo.
What to know about Purdue's offense
Quarterback Ryan Browne has been efficient, completing 77.5 percent of his passes for 646 yards and four touchdowns. Running back Fame Ijeboi adds 201 rushing yards and four scores, while receiver Asaad Waseem leads the team with 12 catches for 172 yards and a touchdown.
The Boilermakers have scored a touchdown on every red zone possession this season and have not committed or forced a turnover through two games.
UCLA brings a balanced attack
The Bruins are averaging 6.5 yards per carry, powered by running backs Wayne Knight and Anthony Woods, who have combined for 316 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava has completed 63.6 percent of his passes for 335 yards.
Defensively, UCLA has held opposing quarterbacks to just 49.2 percent completions. Linebacker Jalen Woods leads the unit with 21 tackles, one sack, and one interception.
Purdue vs. UCLA predictions and picks
Three IndyStar reporters offered their takes, and all three favor the Bruins:
- Nathan Baird: UCLA 34-20. He says the Boilermaker defensive line and veteran linebackers need to step up against a multiple and explosive UCLA backfield.
- Sam King: UCLA 31-21. King warns Purdue must contain one of the Big Ten's most lethal 1-2 punches out of the backfield while also accounting for the swift Iamaleava.
- Aaron Ferguson: UCLA 41-31. Ferguson notes Purdue's offense has enough playmakers to score, but defensive concerns remain against a quarterback unlike anything the Boilers have faced this season.
Betting odds for Purdue vs. UCLA
According to BetMGM, UCLA is a 14-point favorite. The over/under is set at 52.5 total points. The moneyline sits at Purdue +475 and UCLA -625.
Purdue injury report vs. UCLA
In the first Big Ten-mandated injury report of the season, Purdue did not list offensive lineman Brock Brownfield, who left the Wake Forest game in the first quarter.
Five players were listed, including defensive back Mister Clark, who is expected to miss his second straight game despite an impressive season opener. Tight end Kylan Fox and defensive back Raderrion Daniels are also out.
Left tackle Joey Tanona, who started all 12 games last season, is doubtful with a left ankle injury sustained early in training camp. Defensive end Elo Modozie, a Georgia transfer, is questionable after playing 25 snaps in the first two games.
Purdue's 2026 schedule and key dates for Iowa fans
The Boilermakers travel to Iowa on Nov. 14, a game that could carry Big Ten West implications late in the season. Before that, Purdue hosts Notre Dame on Sept. 26 at 2 p.m. on Peacock.
Here is the full schedule:
- Sept. 4: Purdue 44, Indiana State 19
- Sept. 12: Wake Forest 38, Purdue 36 (2 OT)
- Sept. 19: at UCLA, 11 p.m., BTN
- Sept. 26: vs. Notre Dame, 2 p.m., Peacock
- Oct. 3: at Illinois
- Oct. 10: vs. Minnesota
- Oct. 16: vs. Washington, 7 p.m., Fox
- Oct. 31: at Penn State
- Nov. 7: vs. Maryland
- Nov. 14: at Iowa
- Nov. 21: vs. Wisconsin
- Nov. 28: at Indiana
How to listen to Purdue football on the radio
Radio coverage is available on 96.5 FM in Lafayette and 1260 AM in Indianapolis, plus SiriusXM Channels 85 (Purdue feed) and 231.
For tickets and merchandise, fans can check StubHub and Fanatics.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star and was adapted for Just The News Iowa.