UCLA started the 2025 season with a disappointing 0-2 record after losses to Utah and UNLV. They now had New Mexico at home, and this was seen as a shoe in win. They were 15.5-point favorites and fully expected to run away with this game. This was the type of game that they needed to get back on track and move to 1-2 on the season. That quickly turns sour from the moment the ball was kicked off. New Mexico was able to jump out to a 14-0 lead. Before UCLA struck back with 10 quick points.
Unfortunately, those 10 points would be all UCLA would score on the night. With the 14-10 deficit quickly turning into a 35-10 deficit and that being the final score. The Bruins would move to 0-3 on the season. With this being one of the most disappointing losses in UCLA history. There is nothing guaranteed about a win in sports. But this was as close as you can get to it. New Mexico was not a very good football team. But went into the Rose Bowl and won by 25 as 15.5 point underdogs.
New Mexico’s team just made a statement. Lobos upset UCLA! pic.twitter.com/HdwW82Z9JZ
— New Mexico Football (@UNMLoboFB) September 13, 2025
The rumblings would grow loud after this game about DeShaun Foster. As there were rumors that UCLA was holding a meeting with it’s players about some news. Ultimately, this was the final straw and they fired Foster only 15 games into his five-year contract. UCLA struggled in this game again on offense with only 326 yards. While continuing to show, their discipline was not there with 13 penalties for 116 yards. Marking the second straight game with at least 115 penalty yards for the team.
UCLA Football Head Coach DeShaun Foster has been relieved of his duties.
— UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) September 14, 2025
➡️ https://t.co/6mRKqVKquB pic.twitter.com/fWyISTpEax
New Mexico ran for 298 yards on the ground, as UCLA struggled to tackle guys for a third straight week. Leaving many questions about the defense and how it was going to be fixed. With also the offense trying to find any consistency. They were not able to run the ball again much as they played from behind all night. Relying on Nico Iamaleava to make plays on the run without much in terms of protection in front of him. By the end of the game there were not many fans left in the seats as they hit the exits early in frustration.