UCLA Bruins vs Maryland Terrapins Predictions
UCLA’s consistent ground production makes a modest case for the Bruins, but Maryland has enough recent passing success to keep the pick cautious.
Matchup and price
The UCLA Bruins visit the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium on September 26 in the 2026 college football season. Maryland’s recap lists a 1:30 PM kickoff and identifies the game as its Big Ten opener. UCLA enters 3-0 overall and 1-0 in conference play; Maryland is 2-1.
SportsJaw lists UCLA at -125 on the moneyline and -2 (-110) against the spread. Maryland is +105 on the moneyline and +2 (-110). The total is 57.5, with over -105 and under -115.
The case for UCLA, and the concern
UCLA’s strongest supporting evidence is its rushing consistency: three consecutive games with at least 200 yards on the ground. The Bruins rushed for 321 yards in their 52-38 victory over Purdue, finishing with 645 total yards. Wayne Knight contributed 177 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
Maryland allowed Virginia Tech 445 total yards and conversions on 10 of 16 third downs in a 35-26 loss. That raises questions about sustaining defensive stops, although those figures do not establish a specific weakness against the run.
The counterargument is Maryland’s passing production. Malik Washington completed 30 of 43 throws for 359 yards and three touchdowns against Virginia Tech. Chris Durr Jr. caught 12 passes for 109 yards and two scores. Maryland also scored on 18 of 20 red-zone possessions through three games, though that figure does not distinguish touchdowns from field goals.
UCLA’s 38 points conceded against Purdue also warrants caution. Its offensive output supports the lean, but that result leaves room for Maryland to make this competitive.