It's possible that these two schools will be UCLA's rivals in the years to come.
There is no science to rivalries, and it is subject to criticism as to who each other's rivals really are. However, especially in collegiate athletics, rivals thrive, and the excitement surrounding and leading up to rivalry games is like no other. Here now is a look at two teams in the Big Ten not named USC, Washington, or Oregon who could become UCLA's rival in the coming years.
The Nebraska Cornhuskers
The schools share a history, especially in football, despite having been in different conferences for a long time. Both teams have played each other frequently, including in some bowl games. Because they know each other, the scenario could lead to a new rivalry between these two schools.
Since 1983, Nebraska has won six of the last ten games in this series. These two teams have faced each other four times since 2012. The Bruins have won three of their past four games against Nebraska since 2012. This new rivalry has been very even on paper over the last six games, with each team winning three times.
Geographically, Nebraska is one of the "closer" Big Ten schools to UCLA, outside of the three schools that followed UCLA from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten, even though it's still a considerable distance away. Since the proximity makes it easier for fans to get to games, there may be more games between the two teams. Last season, for example, UCLA traveled to Lincoln, Nebraska, and defeated the Cornhuskers by a score of 27-20.
Both schools share the status of "newcomers," having not been part of the Big Ten in the 20th century and currently altering the Big Ten's traditional geographic boundaries, despite Nebraska's earlier entry into the league. Their similarities could unite or pit them against each other as they both try to make a name for themselves in the Big Ten.
The Michigan State Spartans
The teams have a long history in men's basketball, including games in the NCAA tournament with a lot on the line. However, in comparison to schools like Ohio State, they haven't been as successful in football; nonetheless, they had some memorable games against each other during the 1960s. If they play well against each other on the court, this could easily develop into a larger in-conference rivalry as well as both playing top-tier football in the Big Ten in the years to come.
Since 1954, each of these two teams has won three football games against one another. The last time these two teams played each other was on UCLA's home field at the beginning of the 1974 season. UCLA has won the last three games in this series, having a three-game win streak against the Spartans. Michigan State won the first three games going back to 1954.
Both schools have a similar institutional vibe. Both are large public universities with long histories of success in multiple sports, but they may not have the same prestigious football feel as Ohio State or Oregon. Since both of them want to move up in the Big Ten pecking order in football, this could blossom into an underrated but friendly rivalry between these two schools
Recurring matchups will help this potential rivalry. The new scheduling system for the Big Ten will ensure that all teams play each other frequently. They play each other at least once every year in basketball, and play each other in football this season as well in 2026.
Because most Big Ten schools are far away from Los Angeles, it's harder for fans to get to know each other and go to games, which makes rivalries less intense than they would be if there were more teams in the Big Ten from the state of California. However, with social media and online watch parties, the potential rivalry between UCLA and Michigan State could still thrive.
At the end of the day, rivalries often begin in games with intense competition and high stakes. Any Big Ten team that regularly competes with UCLA for conference wins or important bowl spots will eventually help a rivalry flourish.
Nebraska seems like the perfect team to become UCLA's primary Big Ten foe after USC, especially in football, due to their history and the fact that it's easier to travel there. It might take some time and a lot of challenging games to really heat up the rivalry, though. However, especially with basketball, don't count out Michigan State.