In a game that will be remembered as one of the biggest shocks of the 2025 college football season, the UCLA Bruins—winless entering Saturday—toppled No. 7 Penn State 42-37 at the historic Rose Bowl, handing the Nittany Lions their second straight loss and sending shockwaves through the national rankings.
How the Upset Unfolded
UCLA, led by quarterback Nico Iamaleava, came out firing, building a commanding 27-7 halftime lead that left the Rose Bowl crowd in disbelief. The Bruins’ offense was relentless, converting 10 of 16 third downs and racking up 446 total yards against a Penn State defense that had been touted as one of the nation’s best. Iamaleava’s poise and playmaking kept the chains moving, while the Bruins’ defense held Penn State to just 357 yards—a far cry from their usual output.
Penn State, reeling from a home loss to Oregon the previous week, showed signs of life in the second half, scoring 30 points to make it a game. But every time the Nittany Lions threatened, UCLA had an answer, ultimately sealing the win with key stops and timely scoring drives.
Penn State’s Defensive Woes
The Nittany Lions’ defense, already missing starting linebacker Tony Rojas to a long-term injury, looked out of sorts all afternoon. “It’s embarrassing. It’s bad,” admitted defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton after the game. “We all got to look in the mirror. There’s not one person, not one coach, not one player. It’s literally everybody.”
Head coach James Franklin, who had called this year’s squad the most talented he’s ever coached, was left searching for answers. “How am I supposed to answer that when we lose the last two games? Obviously, that’s all that matters,” Franklin said when asked about his preseason optimism.
UCLA’s Breakthrough Moment
For UCLA, the victory was a cathartic release after a winless start to the season. Interim head coach Tim Skipper and his players spoke postgame about the trust and resilience that fueled their performance. The Bruins’ ability to execute under pressure—especially on third down—was the difference in a game few expected them to win.
What This Means for Both Teams
Penn State’s playoff hopes are now on life support. Quarterback Drew Allar, when asked if the Nittany Lions could still contend for a national title, could only scoff at the idea. The loss exposes serious questions about Penn State’s ability to handle adversity and raises the stakes for the rest of their season.
For UCLA, the win is a potential turning point. Beating a top-10 team could provide the spark needed to salvage a season that began with disappointment. The Bruins’ players and coaches will hope this is the start of a new chapter, not just a one-off upset.
Expert Takeaway
Upsets like this are why college football captivates fans every fall. Even the most talented teams can unravel when faced with a hungry underdog and a few key injuries. For Penn State, it’s back to the drawing board. For UCLA, it’s proof that trust and execution can overcome even the longest odds.
Sources
1. 'Embarrassing' loss at UCLA has Penn St. reeling
2. Penn State instant analysis: Catastrophe strikes No. 7 Nittany Lions ...
3. UCLA football overcomes underdog title against Penn State with trust
4. Position Grades: Bye Week Edition | Black Shoe Diaries
5. UCLA football stuns Penn State in a huge upset at the Rose Bowl
6. Three things I think, three things I know as Penn State prepares to ...
7. UCLA Football Postgame - vs. Penn State (Oct. 4, 2025) - YouTube
8. Irvin Charles Penn State Football 2025 Countdown Jeff Exinor 80 days
9. WHAT HAPPENED to Penn State's defense vs. UCLA ... - YouTube
10. Unafraid Show with George Wrighster - Spreaker
