UPDATE: Nebraska’s relentless offensive performance led them to a decisive 28-21 victory over UCLA at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on November 8, 2025. In a game that unveiled vulnerabilities in UCLA’s defense, the Bruins fell to a disappointing 3-6 record in the Big Ten Conference.
Nebraska’s freshman quarterback TJ Lateef made a stunning impact in his first collegiate start, completing 13 of 15 passes for 205 yards and throwing three touchdowns. His standout performance was spearheaded by star running back Emmett Johnson, who recorded a staggering 129 rushing yards and 103 receiving yards, contributing to three of Nebraska’s touchdowns.
The Cornhuskers quickly seized control of the game, with Lateef connecting with Johnson on a 56-yard screen pass for the first touchdown, followed by a one-yard run from Johnson, putting Nebraska up 14-7 at halftime. The momentum continued into the third quarter when Johnson scored again—this time on a 40-yard receiving touchdown—extending Nebraska’s lead to 28-7.
UCLA’s offense struggled to maintain rhythm, despite moments of promise. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava managed to throw for 191 yards and two touchdowns, but faced significant pressure throughout the game. Notably, a crucial third-and-one play fell short, leading to questions about play-calling and execution.
UCLA did attempt a late-game comeback with a 45-yard touchdown reception from running back Anthony Woods and a 9-yard touchdown from Anthony Frias II, narrowing the score to just seven points with less than five minutes remaining. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome Nebraska’s strong lead.
The loss marks UCLA’s second consecutive defeat, raising urgent concerns about their bowl eligibility as they prepare to face top-ranked Ohio State next week. With their season hanging in the balance, this game serves as a stark reminder of the Bruins’ struggles in early-season play.
As tensions rise among fans and players, UCLA’s interim coach Tim Skipper emphasized the importance of controlling time of possession to secure victories. Moving forward, all eyes will be on how the Bruins plan to regroup and respond against a formidable opponent in their next matchup.
Stay tuned for further updates on the Bruins’ quest to salvage their season in the coming days.
