Nebraska Dominates UCLA in 28-21 Victory at Rose Bowl

The Nebraska Cornhuskers secured a decisive 28-21 victory over the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl on November 8, 2025. This match marked a pivotal moment for Nebraska, particularly for quarterback T.J. Lateef, who was making his first collegiate start. UCLA’s struggles continued as they faced their sixth loss of the season, dropping their record to 3-6 overall and 3-3 in the Big Ten Conference.

Lateef’s performance was remarkable, showcasing his ability to navigate the field effectively. He completed 13 of 15 passes for 205 yards, including three touchdowns. His standout connection was with star running back Emmett Johnson, who played a crucial role in Nebraska’s success. Johnson, who entered the game with over 1,000 rushing yards for the season, contributed significantly to the scoreline, delivering three touchdowns—two of which were pivotal in the first half.

UCLA attempted to establish a rhythm early in the game. Running back Jalen Berger managed to score a touchdown on a wildcat formation, leveling the game at 7-7 in the second quarter. However, Nebraska quickly responded, capitalizing on their offensive momentum. Johnson’s 56-yard screen pass reception from Lateef left him untouched as he scampered into the end zone, giving Nebraska a 14-7 lead at halftime.

The second half began with a bang for Nebraska as Johnson caught a 40-yard touchdown pass from Lateef, extending the lead to 28-7. The Bruins faced mounting pressure as they struggled to contain Nebraska’s offensive strategies. Lateef’s ability to distribute the ball effectively, coupled with Johnson’s explosive running, posed a significant challenge for UCLA’s defense.

UCLA’s quarterback, Nico Iamaleava, managed to throw for 191 yards and two touchdowns. Despite his efforts, including a late-game rally that brought the score to 28-21, it was not enough to overcome the deficit. The Bruins scored two touchdowns in the second half, one from Anthony Woods and another from Anthony Frias II, but their late-game surge ultimately fell short.

UCLA’s interim head coach Tim Skipper emphasized the importance of controlling the time of possession throughout the week. The Bruins had previously found success with this strategy against teams like Penn State and Michigan State. Yet, their inability to maintain possession during critical moments of the game proved detrimental.

The loss underscores the challenges UCLA has faced this season, particularly in a competitive Big Ten environment. With only one game remaining against top-ranked Ohio State, the Bruins are now in a position where a victory is essential to keep their hopes of bowl eligibility alive.

As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this matchup. Nebraska improves to a 7-3 record, solidifying their standing in the conference, while UCLA must regroup quickly to face a formidable opponent next week.