Based on their roster, coaching staff, and schedule, here are five of the best things that could happen for the UCLA Football team for the 2025 season.
1. A record of 7-5 or 8-4 and a chance to play in a bowl game
This is a realistic and successful result for the Bruins' second full season as a member of the Big Ten and under head coach DeShaun Foster, following a five-win season last year.
How it happens: The Bruins win all three of their non-conference games, which include games against Utah and New Mexico and a road game against UNLV. Then they win their "winnable" Big Ten games at home against Maryland and Nebraska and on the road against Northwestern and Indiana. If they beat a team like Washington or USC, it would be a mild upset and give them an 8-4 record.
Key factors: Quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who transferred from Tennessee, is a dynamic playmaker who gives life to a passing offense that struggled to score in 2024. Even though they lost some essential starters, the defense is coming together under defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe and new secondary coach Demetrice Martin.
2. Competing for the Big Ten Title
If the Bruins do better than expected and a few other things go their way, they could possibly, with a bit of luck, compete for a Big Ten title. They may not win the B1G title, but they can be competing for it in November.
How it happens: The Bruins not only get the results in scenario #1, but they also pull off one or two big upsets against top Big Ten teams like Ohio State or Penn State. People often think that the Big Ten this season is a two-team race between the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions. Still, with an upset or two and a very solid record in the conference, winning every winnable game on their schedule, it is not out of the realm of possibility.
Key factors: Iamaleava and new offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri's system works well together, making an explosive offense that scores points almost every other possession. The defense, primarily the revamped secondary, is a strength and causes turnovers throughout the season. It would be vital for the Bruins to win on the road, especially in the rugged Big Ten.
3. A high-profile bowl game and a top-25 ranking
If the Bruins have a good season, they could get national attention and a spot in a big bowl game like a "New Year's Six" bowl, such as the Cotton Bowl, Orange Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, or Peach Bowl.
How it happens: The Bruins need to win nine or more games in the regular season, which would mean beating good teams throughout the season and losing zero "winnable" games. Their wins and overall performance would get the attention of national poll voters, and their high finish in the Big Ten would get them a "New Year's Six" bowl invitation.
Key factors: The offense becomes one of the most productive in the Big Ten, and the defense consistently ranks in the top half of the conference. Players like wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer and tight end Jack Pedersen have seasons that make them stars. Coach Foster has helped the team become more resilient and create a winning culture.
4. Winning the Big Ten Regular Season Title
This is the best possible outcome, but it will take a near-perfect season and some luck.
What happens: The Bruins go against all preseason predictions and win the Big Te with a great conference record. They then play in the Big Ten championship game on December 6th , which is most likely against Ohio State or Penn State, with the possibility too become conference champions.
Essential keys: Everything goes as planned. Iamaleava makes a case for himself as a Heisman Trophy candidate. The offensive and defensive lines, which have been problems in the past, have become very strong and among the best in the Big Ten. Every week, the Bruins stay healthy and play at a very high level. For this to happen, a few other top Big Ten teams would probably also have to do get upset and lose a game or two.
5. A spot in the College Football Playoff
This is the best possible outcome for the Bruins, even though it is very unlikely to happen.
How it happens: The Bruins win the Big Ten Championship and end the regular season with a great record (11-1 or 10-2). A Big Ten champion with a good record is almost sure to make the playoffs now that the College Football Playoff has grown to 12 teams.
Important points: This is the end of all the other scenarios. From the start of the season, the Bruins would have to be a top-tier team that everyone knows about. They would have to win all of their games against the best teams and not make any mistakes. This would be a massive success for the UCLA program and would change the course of its future completely.