The Full Prediction for Every UCLA Basketball Home Game in Big Ten Play

UCLA was one of the more underachieving teams in college basketball last season. After entering the year as the 12th-ranked team in the country, the Bruins never came close to living up to those expectations.

Mick Cronin brought in five players through the transfer portal after six departed, completely reshaping the roster. That portal class included Donovan Dent, Xavier Booker, Jamar Brown, Steven Jamerson, and Anthony Peoples Jr.

Mar 20, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin reacts in the first half during a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The group carried genuine potential to elevate the program, but it never materialized. Dent was the only player to average double-digit points, finishing with 13 per game on 41 percent shooting and just 25 percent from three-point range. The rest of the class failed to provide the consistent production Cronin needed.

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Heading into next season, UCLA is on the outside looking in of the AP top 25. Cronin has worked to bring in reinforcements through the portal once again, and the hope is that the returning core pieces will give the Bruins the boost they need to get back into the national conversation. With that in mind, here is a prediction for the outcome of each home game in Big Ten play next season.

Projected Wins

Minnesota

Mar 4, 2026; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers head coach Niko Medved reacts after a play against the Indiana Hoosiers during the second half at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Minnesota had a difficult first season under Niko Medved, though he was able to retain key pieces from last year’s roster, including Jaylen Crocker-Johnson. While the Golden Gophers are expected to improve in year two, making the trip to Los Angeles presents a real challenge. UCLA takes this one at home.

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