Looking back at UCLA's 2025 season as they head to Indiana for the Big Noon Kickoff slot

UCLA was riding high on a three-game winning streak. They were now heading up to Indiana to play the Hoosiers who were undefeated. UCLA was the top of the nation after completely turning around their season and playing great football. So much to the point that this game was chosen to be Big Noon Kickoff. With the Bruins looking to pull off another monumental upsets as almost four touchdown underdogs. Something they did against Penn State the month before.

Indiana was the No. 2 team in the country and they played like it. They absolutely blew the Bruins out 56-6, never leaving any doubt of this game. Which would’ve been even worse if Indiana didn’t pull all of their starters in the fourth quarter. UCLA‘s steak and phenomenon of Jerry Neuheisel came crashing down. This would be the start of a five-game losing streak to finish the season. With the three-game winning streak before this, would be the only games that the Bruins would win on this season.

The UCLA defense was absolutely shredded all day. As you could see the talent difference between Indiana and UCLA. Indiana gained 475 yards on the day and went 14-18 on third and fourth down. Compared to UCLA who only had 201 yards while going 2-14 on third and fourth down. There was not much positive that came out of this day for UCLA. Other than an early Scooter Jackson interception, both the defense and offense were uninspiring.

There was a reason that UCLA was huge underdogs. Indiana had so much talent and there’s a reason why they went on to win the national championship. They were that good and they proved it all season. Nico Iamaleava had his worst game of the season going 13-27 for 113 yards and two interceptions. The ground game also struggled mightily as there was just no space for anyone and the protection broke down constantly.