Every one is entitled to their own opinion but one CBS Sports panelist uncorked a wild one about the UCLA Bruins after UCLA moved to 7-0 with a 28-10 win over Michigan State on Saturday.
Following the win, the Bruins moved up to No. 7 in both the Associated Press and Coaches Poll but not everyone agreed with UCLA’s ascent up the college football world. After UCLA’s win on Saturday, CBS Sports’ Bryant McFadden said his piece about the Bruins, even if it’s a bit hard to follow.
“I applaud everything they’re doing right now, but when I watch them play, and I really dissect their team when you look at their opponents, they remind me of a rapper who raps with no substance in his lyrics,” McFadden said. “I’m not saying I’m not impressed, but I’m saying in terms of substance, there’s some things lacking.”
"[UCLA] reminds me of a rapper who raps with no substance in his lyrics."@BMac_SportsTalk has questions about UCLA's ability to be considered a competitive College Football Playoff team.#Scoreboardpic.twitter.com/h6QIAMvqGi
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) October 25, 2026
McFadden played at Florida State and won a Super Bowl with the Pittsburgh Steelers, so he has the credentials to speak on the sport of football, even if his point feels like grasping at straws.
The case that UCLA is overrated thanks to a forgiving schedule is at least a legitimate one, McFadden’s rap analogy feels less legitimate. UCLA’s new head coach Bob Chesney is almost all substance, quickly turning the program from an afterthought to a consensus Top-10 team in the country.
Until UCLA beats quality opponents, the doubt around the team’s legitimacy will persist but McFadden’s complaints feel half-baked.
“No. 1, you have a backup quarterback who has really embraced the moment. I love the running game, I love the defense and how they swarm and play good football,” McFadden said. “But where have they really been tested?”
UCLA’s quarterback situation may put a ceiling on what the team can accomplish in 2026 but unless any freestyle cyphers breakout, the Bruins shouldn’t worry about a lack of substance. Despite the musical comparison, McFadden was trying to voice some doubt as UCLA being a true national title contender, which is a stance that many share heading into Week 9.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: No substance? CBS Sports panelist has a unique critique for UCLA