UCLA vs. USC 2025 Recap: Bruins Lose Battle For LA, 29-10

Saturday night’s 95th all-time meeting between the two storied rivals turned out to be an exciting finale to the season. The Victory Bell remains in the Trojans’ possession. A tightly contested game through three quarters quickly turned ugly as UCLA collapsed, losing 29-10. The Bruins’ eventful 2025 campaign ended sourly. They dropped five consecutive games, ending their season with a 3-9 (3-6 Big Ten) record.

However, there’s nothing more appealing to a viewer’s eye than watching two teams duel in their home threads. No white jerseys, just red and blue flooding the Coliseum.

UCLA Bruins vs USC Trojans: 2025 College Football Week 14 Recap

The Blue and Gold entered the week with a goal to knock off their cross-city rival and end their uncanny season on a positive note. It’s been a season filled with ups and downs. However, none of that matters when the city of Los Angeles splits for this yearly game.

Heading into rivalry week, the status of UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava was in question. Hoping that their star quarterback would clear off the injury report, the Bruins — as they have all year — were prepared for any outcome. Iamaleava has been as tough as nails, and there would be no way a minor injury would keep him out in a high-stakes game. He started Saturday against USC and played as well as he’s been advertised. Unfortunately, his 200-yard effort ultimately fell short.

UCLA’s Trend Continues, USC Starts Odd

Unconventionally, USC opted to keep its No. 1 and 2 wide receivers sidelined in the first quarter. However, the Trojans still managed to find the end zone with ease. It was their star walk-on running back, King Miller, who capped off an opening 75-yard drive with a five-yard touchdown run. The redshirt freshman was leaned upon early and often, taking his first six touches for 39 yards. He certainly earned himself a scholarship with the season he’s constructed.

On the other side, the same story continued for the Bruins. They struggled out of the gates and found themselves trailing early. The defense couldn’t fill any rushing lanes and struggled to keep up with SC’s speed. Offensively, their first drive produced six yards and a punt. However, their special teams turned the tide, forcing back-to-back missed field goal attempts.

Bruins’ Kwazi Gilmer Shines in Finale

It didn’t take long for the Blue and Gold to get on the board with their own touchdown drive. A two-yard touchdown knotted the game at seven. Kwazi Gilmer was the recipient of Nico Iamaleava’s 13th touchdown pass of the year as he notched his fourth in his standout year.

The sophomore wideout has been the Bruins’ leading receiver in yards, catches and touchdowns. His night ended with a career-high 10 catches for a game-high 73 yards and one touchdown. Gilmer was on our list for players to watch this season for UCLA, and his team-leading campaign proved it. The future is bright for No. 3.

Unexpected Defensive Stand By UCLA

USC controlled the time of possession battle and dominated in yards through two quarters, but it was UCLA’s defense that stood tall, limiting the Trojans’ damage.

The pass rush looked alive and made USC quarterback Jayden Maiava uncomfortable. Regardless of being one of the worst defensive line units in the nation, the Blue and Gold found ways to generate two sacks and three tackles for loss. The Trojans were held to just seven first-half points as the Bruins climbed to 10 points following a Mateen Bhaghani 38-yard field goal.

The third quarter was more hard-nosed football, centered around defensive plays. Both teams flirted with field goal possibilities, but nothing to show for on the scoreboard for the most part. The Trojans eventually broke the seal, finding the end zone to regain the lead at 14-10.

Bruins Collapse, USC Wakes Up

It was only a matter of time before USC’s top receivers made their impact on the game. Through nearly three quarters, Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane were held to just one catch for 12 yards before exploding. The duo went on to have four catches for 84 yards and a touchdown. Not where the leading Big Ten receivers are accustomed to finishing games, but enough to break away from UCLA.

Usually, as the game progresses, the Skipper’s squad gets better. That didn’t hold true Saturday night. It was the fourth quarter when UCLA’s defense gave up too many big plays and self-inflicted penalties — one of which wiped an interception off the board. USC took advantage of the sloppy execution of the Bruins and scored 14 unanswered to take a 21-10 lead.

The knockout punch was made by the same man who started the action for Southern California. Miller took a Jayden Maiava handoff 41 yards to the house for his first career multi-touchdown game and stamped a USC win.

Looking Ahead

It could very well be the last time we see Iamaleava and Skipper in the blue and gold. Skipper took a dead cause and sparked life back into it. From 0-4 to 3-4 and knocking off a top-10 team, it’s been a full roller coaster ride for these Bruins and lot has been learned in process.

Nonetheless, both will have options open for them this offseason. With how players and teams are approaching the transfer portal, it’s unlikely the Bruins retain all their top players. But that’ll be its own issue to monitor in these next few months. Until then, the coaching hunt will begin, and UCLA will look to use the offseason to get ready for 2026.