Nebraska Dominates UCLA in 28-21 Victory at Rose Bowl

In a tightly contested matchup at the Rose Bowl on November 8, 2025, the UCLA Bruins fell short against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, losing 28-21. Nebraska’s quarterback, TJ Lateef, in his first collegiate start, effectively directed a well-executed game plan that exploited vulnerabilities in UCLA’s defense.

Nebraska established a commanding lead early in the game, with standout running back Emmett Johnson contributing significantly. Johnson, who had already surpassed the 1,000 rushing yard mark this season, was instrumental in the Huskers’ final three touchdowns. He scored on a 56-yard screen pass from Lateef and added a one-yard rushing touchdown, putting Nebraska ahead 14-7 by halftime.

In the third quarter, Johnson continued to shine, catching a 40-yard touchdown pass from Lateef, extending Nebraska’s lead to 28-7 just under 12 minutes into the period. Lateef completed an impressive 13 of 15 passes for 205 yards and three touchdowns, while Johnson amassed 129 rushing yards and 103 receiving yards, showcasing his versatility and skill.

UCLA struggled to maintain control of the game despite moments of promise. Interim head coach Tim Skipper had emphasized the importance of time of possession, a strategy that had previously led to significant victories this season. The Bruins managed a lengthy second drive, resulting in a touchdown from running back Jalen Berger, which tied the game at 7-7.

However, a critical moment came during UCLA’s third drive when quarterback Nico Iamaleava faced pressure on a crucial third-and-one play from Nebraska’s 38-yard line. An incomplete pass resulted in a turnover on downs, leaving UCLA unable to capitalize on drives when it mattered most.

Iamaleava, who finished the game with 191 passing yards and two touchdowns, faced considerable pressure throughout the contest. The Bruins made a late-game push, narrowing the deficit to seven points with a touchdown reception from redshirt junior running back Anthony Woods in the third quarter and another from redshirt senior running back Anthony Frias II in the fourth quarter.

Despite these efforts, UCLA’s late surge was not enough to overcome Nebraska’s early lead. The defeat marked UCLA’s second consecutive loss, dropping their record to 3-6 overall and 3-3 in the Big Ten Conference. With only one game remaining in the regular season, the Bruins now face a daunting challenge against top-ranked Ohio State if they hope to remain in bowl contention.

As the season progresses, UCLA must reflect on the lessons learned from this game. The Bruins demonstrated flashes of potential, but consistency remains elusive. With critical matchups ahead, the team aims to regroup and harness the energy needed to close out the season on a strong note.