PASADENA—Both our UCLA Bruins as well as the USC Trojans kick off the Collegiate football season on Saturday, August 30. USC opens their 2025 campaign against Missouri State at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at 4:30 p.m., while the UCLA Bruins welcome the Utah Utes for the nightcap at the splendid Rose Bowl at 8:00 pm.
UCLA’s hopes and expectations lie on one man’s shoulders: Nico Iamaleava!
Nico Iamaleava. You think hiring Foster last year was bold? The signing of the former Tennessee quarterback – who was at the center of the contract standoff storm – might change the entire program.
It was a signal that UCLA was ready to be a player in the transfer portal, and it was also a nod to the problems with a horrendous offense that finished 118th in the nation in yards and 126th in scoring.
Last season, the Bruins joined the ferocious, highly competitive BIG 10 Conference. The Bruins certainly got off to a slow start, as every weekend featured a new heavyweight foe.
Their record in 2024 was 5-7, although the Bruins improved leaps and bounds finishing 4-2 down the stretch to get some momentum into 2025.
Utah is widely regarded as the favorite out of the Big 12 for a reason. A staunch defense complements a revamped offense that added New Mexico Lobos quarterback and offensive coordinator Devon Dampier and Jason Beck.
The Utes defense has historically been known to be consistently good, and it will be a great first test for Iamaleava. UCLA’s newfound depth in the backfield — headlined by Cal transfer Jaivian Thomas and returnee Jalen Berger — makes its offense much more dynamic than before.
Now the O line has to be better. Tackle Courtland Ford (Kentucky) and guards Eugene Brooks (Oklahoma) and Julian Armella (Florida State) were good gets to help a still rebuilding front.
For the Bruins, this Labor Day weekend matchup is vital for the program, as it may set the tone for a successful season.
UCLA is honoring first responders by offering free tickets to the Bruins’ season opener on August 30, 2025, against Utah at the Rose Bowl.
“August 30th, our first game this year is gonna be the first responder game,” Foster said. “The tickets will be free for all first responders, just showing (a form of) ID or anything. You can check the links there on both our social media accounts, Twitter and Instagram, please come out.”
As for the Men of Troy, their first game seems to be more of a scrimmage with no real competition. Facing the Missouri State Bears, making their debut as a division one FBS school.
Things might get ugly as the Trojans are an eye popping 37-point favorites.
Last season was a disappointment for USC under head coach Lincoln Riley. Those question marks are carrying over in 2025, but the Trojans still have an incredibly talented bunch, led by a slew of transfer additions and the No. 1 recruiting class in the country.
SC’s explosive offense and improved defense should carry over from 2024 to 2025. The Trojans should be motivated to blow teams out in the early part of the season before the difficulty of their schedule kicks in later on.
Needless to say, it’s going to be a great day for football.
