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UCLA Beats Cal 45-24 Behind 277 Rushing Yards

9/7/2026

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Summary

UCLA Beats Cal

UCLA defeated California 45-24 at California Memorial Stadium.
UCLA rushed for 277 yards, with Knight and Woods scoring five touchdowns and 189 yards.
Safety Ta’Shawn James intercepted two passes as UCLA forced three turnovers despite 110 penalty yards.
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava suffered a calf injury on a run but returned to finish the game.
Chancellor Julio Frenk and athletics director Tim Harris attended the game and post-game press conference.

Summary

UCLA Pays Cal

UCLA will pay Cal $10 million annually under the “Calimony” settlement approved by the UC Regents.
The rivalry, played annually from 1933-2023, paused after UCLA joined the Big Ten and Cal entered the ACC.
Realignment began in 2024 when UCLA and USC announced departure from the Pac-12.
The $10 million “Calimony” payment highlights growing tensions among Power Five conferences over West Coast market rights.

History

Historical Context

The Big Ten’s 2022 $7 billion media-rights agreement set a new revenue benchmark, prompting the league to broaden its footprint. In August 2022 the conference announced a 2024 expansion to 18 members, adding UCLA and USC, and later Oregon and Washington. This market-driven growth continues the conference’s long-standing strategy of leveraging TV contracts to reshape college athletics.

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UCLA Beats Cal

UCLA defeated California 45-24 at California Memorial Stadium.
UCLA rushed for 277 yards, with Knight and Woods scoring five touchdowns and 189 yards.
Safety Ta’Shawn James intercepted two passes as UCLA forced three turnovers despite 110 penalty yards.
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava suffered a calf injury on a run but returned to finish the game.
Chancellor Julio Frenk and athletics director Tim Harris attended the game and post-game press conference.

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