UCLA Football Overwhelmed by Utah in Season Opener

In a challenging season opener, the UCLA football team faced a significant defeat against the University of Utah, losing 43-10 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on August 30, 2025. The game showcased a powerful performance from Utah, led by quarterback Devon Dampier, who exploited UCLA’s defensive vulnerabilities.

Utah Dominates from the Start

UCLA entered the match with a new starting lineup, facing off against a formidable Utah squad that boasted a strong offensive line, featuring multiple potential first-round draft picks. Despite confidence expressed by UCLA coach DeShaun Foster, the Bruins struggled to contain the Utes’ relentless attack. Utah amassed a staggering 492 yards of total offense, with 286 rushing yards, demonstrating their dominance throughout the match.

Dampier, a transfer from New Mexico, led the charge for Utah, accumulating 87 rushing yards himself. His performance, supported by key players like tackles Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu, quickly dismantled UCLA’s defensive strategies. The Bruins’ defense, which had been anticipated to improve, faced numerous challenges, leading to missed tackles and significant gains for the Utes.

UCLA’s Struggles on Offense

On the offensive side, UCLA’s quarterback Nico Iamaleava made his debut after transferring from Tennessee. Despite flashes of potential, his performance was hindered by a lack of support from his defense. Iamaleava started the game slowly, with his first two drives resulting in a turnover on downs and a punt. He ultimately completed 11 of 22 passes for 136 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

In a moment that highlighted his potential, Iamaleava showcased his athleticism with a 21-yard run in the second quarter, shedding tackles before finding running back Anthony Woods for a 19-yard touchdown pass. Despite this brief display of brilliance, the 6-foot-6 quarterback struggled to maintain momentum, ultimately concluding the game with a disappointing interception in the fourth quarter.

UCLA’s defense, which had hoped to show improvement this season, fell short of expectations. Key plays, including a missed tackle from safety Key Lawerence and a failed attempt to stop a touchdown run by cornerback Smith Snowden, raised concerns about the unit’s cohesion and effectiveness. With missed tackles and blown assignments, the Bruins left their fans with more questions than answers as they look to regroup for the rest of the season.

The game served as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead for UCLA as they seek to solidify their team under Foster’s leadership. With a large crowd of 35,032 fans witnessing the defeat, UCLA must quickly address their defensive issues and harness the potential within their roster to compete effectively moving forward.