It’s the UCLA Bruins versus the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on September 5, 2026. Here’s how to watch live on TV.
- Time: 10:30 PM ET
- Location: California Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, CA
- TV Channels: ESPN
How to Watch UCLA vs. California on September 5, 2026
You can watch the California Golden Bears take on the UCLA Bruins live on DIRECTV on ESPN channel 206 on September 5, 2026 at 10:30 PM ET.
UCLA (0-0) at California (0-0) — Game Preview
UCLA opens its season on the road against California at California Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 5, 2026, with both programs sitting at 0-0. The late kickoff caps the first Saturday of the year and pairs a Big Ten program against an ACC opponent in an unusual early-season crossover.
UCLA hands the offense to quarterback Nico Iamaleava, the established starter under center for the Bruins entering the year. California counters with sophomore Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who started every game as a true freshman a season ago and now takes over a program adjusting to a new coaching staff. Neither team carries a poll ranking into the opener, so the night reads as a measuring-stick game for both staffs rather than a ranked showdown.
How each quarterback handles the moment will say plenty about where both programs stand heading into the rest of September.
National TV
ESPN
What Time is the UCLA vs. California Game?
The UCLA vs. California game starts at 10:30 PM ET on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
Where Can I Watch UCLA vs. California?
You can watch UCLA vs. California on ESPN.
Players to Watch: UCLA vs. California
UCLA
Nico Iamaleava — QB. The Bruins hand him the reins as the established starter, making him the clear focal point of the UCLA offense in the season opener.
California
Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele — QB. The sophomore returns as California’s starting quarterback after taking every snap under center as a true freshman in 2025, now leading the offense under a new coaching staff.
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