# Ucla Bruins Challenge Preseason Ranking

> UCLA basketball team may outperform No. 22 preseason ranking with key returners and elite newcomers.
- Title: Ucla Bruins Challenge Preseason Ranking · UCLA Bruins On SI
- Summary: UCLA basketball team may outperform No. 22 preseason ranking with key returners and elite newcomers. UCLA Bruins could finish higher than their No. 22…
- Keywords: ucla, bruins, preseason ap poll, mick cronin, xavier booker, eric dailey jr, trent perry, jaylen petty, filip jovic, nikola kusturica, big ten, sports
- Source: UCLA Bruins On SI — https://si.com/college/ucla/bruins-why-basketball-can-outperform-preseason-poll-ranking
- Published: 2026-10-19T18:25:23+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ucla, bruins, preseason ap poll, mick cronin, xavier booker, eric dailey jr, trent perry, jaylen petty, filip jovic, nikola kusturica, big ten, sports
## Preseason Ranking
Ucla comes in at No. 22 in the country, a little lower than many fans expected.
## Surrounding Teams
Usc is ranked one spot higher than ucla at No. 21, likely to upset Bruins fans.
## Continuity Plus
Ucla returns key players with existing chemistry for frontcourt and point guard.
## Point Guard Chemistry
Trent perry returns with existing chemistry for starting point guard.
## Elite Newcomer
Texas tech transfer jaylen petty leads offense as elite three-point shooter.
## Filip Jovic
Filip jovic looks ready to jump from auburn to provide depth and versatility.
## Nikola Kusturica
International freshman nikola kusturica poses threat on both ends of the court.
## Preseason Ranking Challenge
Ucla's preseason ranking of No. 22 could end up far too low for where this team finishes.
## Key takeaway

UCLA Bruins could finish higher than their No. 22 preseason AP ranking due to returning core players and impactful transfers.