UCLA, winless prior, stunned No. 7 Penn State with a 42-37 victory, marking a historic upset.
UCLA's previous losses: Utah, UNLV, New Mexico, Northwestern
UCLA’s first win of season against ranked opponent
Penn State favored by 24.5 points
Penn State lost to unranked team for first time since 1985
Penn State attempted comeback after halftime
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava shined for UCLA
Penn State missed critical fourth-down chance
Next game for Penn State is against Northwestern
Los Angeles, October 4, 2025 – The UCLA Bruins notched their first victory of the season by defeating the No. 7 Penn State Nittany Lions 42-37 at the Rose Bowl. Entering the contest 0-4 and a 24.5-point underdog, UCLA became the first winless team since 1985 to beat a top-10 opponent.[1]
Game Overview
UCLA scored touchdowns on its first five possessions to lead 27-7 at halftime. The Bruins finished with 446 total yards, including 280 rushing yards. Penn State gained 357 total yards, with 127 on the ground.[1]
Key Performances
Nico Iamaleava, UCLA completed 17 of 24 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns; rushed 16 times for 128 yards and three scores.[1]
Drew Allar, Penn State finished 25 of 37 passing for 289 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.[1]
Turning Points
A third-quarter blocked punt returned for a touchdown brought Penn State within 27-21. The Nittany Lions added two more scores to trail 34-28 entering the fourth quarter. UCLA responded with a seven-play, 75-yard drive capped by Iamaleava’s 1-yard run to extend the lead. A final fourth-down defensive stop at the UCLA 9 preserved the Bruins’ victory.[1]
Historical Significance
This result ended Penn State’s 34-game winning streak against unranked teams and marked the first time since October 26, 1985, that an 0-4 team defeated a top-10 opponent.[2][1]
What’s Next
UCLA (1-4, 1-1 Pac-12) travels to Michigan State on October 11. Penn State (3-2, 0-2 Big Ten) returns home to face Northwestern.
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