UCLA is 8-0 on the season. UCLA is ranked in the Top 5 of the AP Poll for the first time since 2001, when it was ranked fourth for two straight weeks. The team is also 8-0 for the first time since 2005.

Now, head coach Bob Chesney is speaking out about their rankings, per Big Day ESPN.

“The ranking tells us where we’ve been. I’m more interested in where we’re going, and that is the thing we are focused on. What got us to this point, what allowed us to be considered the team that we're being considered as. But we also know there is a lot of work that needs to be done, and the best football has to be played in November, and our guys will be up for that challenge,” Chesney said.

UCLA has not been ranked since 2023, and has not been a top ten team since 1022. The last time they were in the Top 5 of the AP Poll was weeks eight and nine of 2001. They are also in line for their best College Football Playoff ranking ever. They were last ranked in Week 10 of 2023, sitting 19th, but would drop out of the rankings. Their top ranking came in Week 5 of 2014, when they were ranked eighth. UCLA would miss the playoffs, being ranked 14th at the end of the season.

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Chesney knows the pressure of being ranked in the CFP rankings. Last year, James Madison was ranked in the final two CFP rankings. While they were not ranked in the top ten, or even the top 20, they were the top team from the non-power conferences, meaning holding onto that spot would send them to the playoffs.

UCLA looks to keep their Top 5 ranking as they visit Minnesota on Saturday.