Nebraska Dominates UCLA in 28-21 Victory at Rose Bowl

The UCLA Bruins faced a challenging matchup against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on November 8, 2025, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, resulting in a 28-21 defeat. Nebraska’s quarterback, T.J. Lateef, marked his first collegiate start with a commanding performance, leading the Huskers to a decisive victory over UCLA, which now holds a record of 3-6 in the Big Ten Conference.

In the first half, Nebraska exploited gaps in UCLA’s defense effectively. Running back Emmett Johnson, who had already surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark earlier in the season, played a pivotal role. He initiated the scoring with a 56-yard screen pass from Lateef, demonstrating his speed and agility as he reached the end zone untouched. Johnson later added a one-yard touchdown run, giving Nebraska a 14-point lead at halftime.

The momentum continued for the Cornhuskers as Johnson opened the second half with a 40-yard receiving touchdown, widening the score to 28-7. Lateef, who displayed impressive accuracy, completed 13 of 15 passes for 205 yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, Johnson recorded a total of 129 rushing yards and 103 receiving yards, showcasing his dual-threat capability.

UCLA interim coach Tim Skipper had emphasized the importance of controlling time of possession leading up to the game. The Bruins managed a lengthy second drive that culminated in a one-yard touchdown run from running back Jalen Berger, which leveled the score at 7-7 in the second quarter. However, as UCLA pursued another scoring drive, a crucial fourth down attempt fell short, leaving them unable to capitalize on potential scoring opportunities.

Quarterback Nico Iamaleava contributed significantly, finishing the game with 191 passing yards and two touchdowns, alongside 86 rushing yards. Despite his efforts to rally the team back into contention, UCLA could not recover from the early deficit created by Nebraska’s offensive prowess.

Late in the game, the Bruins narrowed the score to 28-21 with a 45-yard touchdown reception from redshirt junior running back Anthony Woods in the third quarter, followed by a nine-yard touchdown reception from redshirt senior running back Anthony Frias II in the fourth quarter. The late-game surge, however, was not enough to overcome Nebraska’s lead.

The loss marked UCLA’s second consecutive defeat, putting their hopes for bowl eligibility on the line as they prepare to face top-ranked Ohio State next week. The game served as a reminder of the challenges faced by the Bruins this season, highlighting the inconsistency that has plagued them since the start of the campaign.

As UCLA reflects on this game, the challenges ahead remain significant. The team will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities and improve their offensive execution to stand a chance against formidable opponents in the coming weeks.