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 earn their first win of the season by defeating the No. 7 Penn State Nittany Lions 42-37 at the Rose Bowl. Entering the game 0-4 and a 24.5-point underdog, the Bruins earn first win and became the first winless team since 1985 to defeat a top-10 opponent. This first victory beats Penn State’s 34-game winning streak against unranked teams.
Clear Summary of Game Outcome and Historic Significance
Final score: UCLA 42, Penn State 37 [1][2].
UCLA scored touchdowns on its first five possessions, gaining an early lead of 27-7 at halftime [3].
This victory marked UCLA’s first over a top-10 team since 2010 and the first 0-4 team to beat a top-10 opponent since 1985 [4][5].
The win also ended Penn State’s 34-game winning streak against unranked opponents [6].
Detailed Breakdown of Key Player Performances and Statistics
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava led UCLA with a standout dual-threat performance, completing 16 of 24 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns. He was also the team’s leading rusher, carrying the ball 16 times for 128 yards and three rushing touchdowns, a key factor in UCLA bruins first victory. [7][8]
Nico Iamaleava’s Impactful Dual-Threat Role
Completed 16 of 24 passes for 166 yards and 2 passing touchdowns. [9][10]
Rushed 16 times for 128 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns.
His five total touchdowns significantly contributed to the Bruins’ success.
Supporting Players and Contributions
Javian Thomas and Anthony Woods combined for 114 rushing yards. [11][12]
Kwazi Gilmer led receivers with 5 catches for 79 yards and a touchdown.
Penn State’s Drew Allar completed 19 of 26 passes for 200 yards, 2 touchdowns, and rushed for 78 yards.
Key Game Moments That Defined the Outcome
UCLA’s successful onside kick recovery early in the game set an aggressive tone.
A blocked punt returned for a touchdown trimmed UCLA’s lead and shifted momentum momentarily.
The Bruins responded with a 12-play, 75-yard drive ending in Iamaleava’s 1-yard touchdown run and a two-point conversion that extended the lead. [13][14]
A final defensive stop on fourth down at UCLA’s nine-yard line by Scooter Jackson secured the win.
Broader Context and What to Expect Next in the Season
UCLA improved to 1-4 overall and 1-1 in Pac-12 play, signaling a critical step in their rebuilding process.
Penn State dropped to 3-2 overall and 0-2 in Big Ten play. [15][15]
Upcoming games: UCLA visits Michigan State on October 11; Penn State hosts Northwestern.
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