UCLA vs. Nebraska 2025 Recap: Bruins Drop Second Straight Contest, Lose 28-21

PASADENA, CA — After starting the season 0-4, a three-game winning streak sparked life back into Westwood. However, back-to-back losses have now left UCLA at 3-6 with three games remaining on the schedule. With that said, let’s dive into this UCLA vs. Nebraska 2025 college football recap.

UCLA Bruins vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers: 2025 College Football Recap

The Bruins are unable to take advantage of an extra week of rest as a Dylan Raiola-less Nebraska team played spoiler, defeating UCLA 28-21.  A late surge in the fourth quarter kept hope alive before the Cornhuskers forced out all of the Blue and Gold’s timeouts to put the final nail in the coffin.

Though all likelihood of becoming bowl eligible is out the window, interim head coach Tim Skipper won’t hang his head on this late-season loss.

“We’re going to keep fighting,” Skipper said. ” The sun is going to rise tomorrow. We’re not in quit mode or anything like that. The sun is going to rise and we’re going to get back to work.”

Cursed With Catch-up

Slow starts have plagued the Bruins all season long, and Week 11 was no different. After going three-and-out on the opening drive, UCLA’s defense surrendered the game’s first score immediately after. It also marked its seventh scoreless first quarter of the year.

The Blue and Gold’s ensuing possession was a more notable one. It recorded 17 plays, 75 yards and a touchdown to knot the score at seven a piece. On that drive, it was quarterback Nico Iamaleava‘s legs that kept the scoring opportunity alive. The sophomore quarterback aided a sequence that saw three third down and one fourth down conversion that eventually led to Jalen Berger’s third rushing touchdown of the season.

For as much as the Blue and Gold were susceptible to big plays, a 45-yard catch and run in the third quarter by running back Anthony Woods cut the deficit to 14. It also marked the longest passing score of the season for UCLA. However, the offensive firepower of Nebraska was too much for UCLA to handle as it played catch-up the entire 60 minutes. It took five possessions to finally force a punt from the Cornhuskers, as the four prior ended in six.

Interestingly enough, the key entering the game was that UCLA needed to keep the chains moving on third down — which it did. However, the defensive struggles left Nebraska effortlessly marching down the field. Even with a 50-50 split in time of possession and nearly identical stats, it felt as though Matt Rhule’s team completely dominated.

Nico Iamaleava Displays Dual-Threat Abilities Again

Throughout the contest, Iamaleava showcased his dual-threat ability, offering more on the ground than in the air in the first half — 71 rushing yards to 64 passing yards. Regardless, it kept the chains moving for UCLA and put them in scoring positions.

Through four quarters, Iamaleava finished with 191 yards through the air and 86 on the ground. He once again led the Bruins’ rushing attack.

“I thought [Iamaleava] did a great job at extending plays for us,” Skipper mentioned. “He was a true dual-threat tonight. … He’s going to keep making his plays and do what he does. I thought he played four quarters of ball.”

The transfer quarterback is a special talent who has an answer for every counter you throw at him. He embraces the contact and gets better as the game progresses. However, it’s a team sport and all the stress can’t lie on No. 9.

No Answer for Lateef and Johnson

Led by freshman quarterback TJ Lateef, Nebraska opened the scoring with a nine-play, 51-yard touchdown drive. The first-time starter was handed the keys to the offense after Raiola suffered a season-ending injury last week, and Lateef did not disappoint.

He started his night a perfect 11 for 11 passing before having two go incomplete in the fourth quarter. Lateef ended his victory night with 205 yards passing and three touchdowns on an 87 percent completion rate. The freshman also tacked on 31 rushing yards for multiple first-down gains.

Despite the stellar play of the young quarterback, it was running back Emmett Johnson who stole the show.

“Most of our game plan was to stop [Johnson],” Skipper emphasized. “He’s a special player … [Nebraska] did a good job game planning him in the pass game too. I think he’s a very special talent. I think, nationally he should be talked about more.”

UCLA could not find an answer for the elite rusher as Johnson exploited the defense both on the ground and through the air. The junior back had a career day catching the ball, as 103 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns set a new high. Johnson also contributed 129 yards and a score on the ground. There’s a reason he’s the leading rusher in the Big Ten, and his performance this week added to his stellar season.

Looking Ahead for UCLA

The Bruins’ road doesn’t let up as No. 1 Ohio State is up next.

The undefeated Buckeyes will host UCLA as the Bruins fight to keep their bowling dreams alive. The Blue and Gold have had quality experiences against top-10 teams, knocking off No. 7 Penn State earlier this season. However, a 56-6 loss to No. 2 Indiana doesn’t help any case. Regardless, anything can happen in college football, and it’ll be an opportunity to shock the world once again.