Top Storylines Entering the Season
The UCLA Bruins head into the 2025 season under second-year head coach DeShaun Foster, looking to improve on a 5-7 record in their inaugural Big Ten campaign. After a challenging transition from the Pac-12, the Bruins aim to make strides in a loaded conference. Key storylines include:
- Nico Iamaleava’s Impact at Quarterback: The former five-star Tennessee transfer, with an 11-3 record as a starter, brings elite potential (2,930 passing yards, 21 TDs; 435 rushing yards, 6 TDs in his career). His dual-threat ability could transform an offense that ranked 132nd in rushing (78.8 yards per game) in 2024.
- Reviving the Running Game: UCLA’s ground attack was among the worst in FBS last season, averaging under 80 yards per game. Transfers like Jaivian Thomas (from Cal) and returning veteran Jalen Berger are tasked with revitalizing the run to complement Iamaleava’s passing.
- Defensive Rebuild with New Pieces: The loss of cornerback Jaylin Davies to Oklahoma State stings, but transfers like cornerbacks Robert Stafford (from Miami) and Aaron Williams (from Louisville) bolster the secondary. The defense, which allowed 350.9 yards per game in 2024, must gel quickly.
- Tough Big Ten Schedule: UCLA faces a gauntlet with no FCS opponent, including Utah in the opener, road trips to Ohio State and USC, and home games against Penn State and Nebraska. Navigating this slate will test Foster’s squad.
- NIL and Roster Investment: UCLA’s aggressive use of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals to land Iamaleava and other transfers signals a commitment to compete in the Big Ten, but translating talent into wins remains the challenge.
Key Players
- Nico Iamaleava, QB (Soph.): A former five-star recruit, Iamaleava’s arm talent and mobility (358 rushing yards, 3 TDs in 2024 at Tennessee) make him the centerpiece of UCLA’s offense.
- Jaivian Thomas, RB (Jr., Transfer from Cal): With 625 rushing yards in 2024, Thomas brings explosiveness to a backfield desperate for production.
- Siale Taupaki, DT (Sr.): A key interior defender, Taupaki’s ability to clog running lanes is vital for a unit aiming to improve from 98.1 rushing yards allowed per game.
- Ben Perry, S (Sr.): A veteran presence in the secondary, Perry’s tackling and coverage skills anchor a rebuilt backfield.
- Jalen Woods, LB (Jr.): An emerging playmaker, Woods’ ability to generate turnovers (noted for fumble recoveries in simulations) will be crucial.
- Julian Armella, OG (Jr., Transfer from Florida State): The 6-6, 325-pound lineman is expected to bolster an interior line that struggled to create push last season.
Key Games Preview
- vs Utah (Aug. 30)
- Why It Matters: The season opener at the Rose Bowl against a resurgent Utah team, led by quarterback Devin Dampier, sets the tone for UCLA’s Big Ten campaign. A win against a former Pac-12 foe could provide early momentum.
- Key Matchup: Nico Iamaleava vs. Utah’s defensive front. Iamaleava’s ability to extend plays with his legs and find open receivers will test the Utes’ pass rush.
- at Ohio State (Nov. 15)
- Why It Matters: Facing the defending national champions on the road is a massive challenge, but a competitive showing could signal UCLA’s growth. An upset, as seen in some simulations, would be a program-defining win.
- Key Matchup: UCLA’s offensive line vs. Ohio State’s defensive line. Protecting Iamaleava and establishing a run game are critical to keeping the game close.
- at USC (Nov. 29)
- Why It Matters: The crosstown rivalry for the Victory Bell is a season-defining game, especially with USC favored in preseason projections. A win would cap Foster’s second year with a statement and boost recruiting.
- Key Matchup: UCLA’s secondary (Perry, Stafford) vs. USC’s passing attack. Containing the Trojans’ receivers will determine if the Bruins can steal the upset.
Final Prediction
EasySportz’s projects to finish 4-8 (2-7 Big Ten), missing bowl eligibility. The addition of Iamaleava and a bolstered roster via the transfer portal provides optimism, but the brutal schedule limits upside. The Bruins will be competitive but struggle against top-tier Big Ten foes.
- Wins (6): vs New Mexico (Sept. 12), at UNLV (Sept. 6), vs Maryland (Oct. 18), at Northwestern (Sept. 27).
- Losses (6): vs Utah (Aug. 30), vs Penn State (Oct. 4), at Michigan State (Oct. 11), at Indiana (Oct. 25), , vs Nebraska (Nov. 8), vs Washington (Nov. 22), at Ohio State (Nov. 15), at USC (Nov. 29).
Want more Big 10 coverage? Here is a preview of the Big 10 season based on Vegas’ projected win totals. More Big 10 previews: Minnesota, Nebraska, Illinois, Northwestern, Iowa and Wisconsin.
