Looking back on UCLA's 2025 season as they stumble into finish with last home game

UCLA came back home for a matchup against the Washington in their 11th game of the season. They were on a three-game losing streak and slowly moving towards the end of the season. Looking to turn the chapter on a rough 2025 season but end on a positive note. Washington was a good football team in 2025 and they were able to win the game coast-to-coast with an easy 48-14 win. Which started to ignite rumors that maybe Jedd Fisch was a possible fit to come back to UCLA as the head coach in 2026.

Nico Iamaleava made it back to start this game after missing the Ohio State game with a concussion. It might’ve been wise for him to sit out another game as he struggled from the start. Often with much pressure in his face and having to get out on the run. He had his worst game of the season going 16-26 for only 69 yards. While having a QBR of 19.7. Luke Duncan who started the Ohio State game and played decent for what he was given. Came in and had a few good drives with a really nice touchdown pass.

UCLA moved to 3-8 on the season with only a trip across town to play USC for their final game. The positive part about the tough season is they never gave up on their interim head coach. Tim Skipper kept them together pretty well when most teams would’ve fallen apart. It played a large role in showing the culture that the Bruins built. Even with Bob Chesney coming in for the 2026 season, many UCLA players decided to stick around and that should be a credit to Skipper.

Washington had 426 yards on the night which included 212 yards on the ground. One of the many games on the season that UCLA was gashed in the running game for over 200 yards. But the one positive was the pass defense continued to play well for them. Two of those players the Bruins got back for 2026 were Rodrick Pleasant and Cole Martin who were great in pass defense.  So, not all of 2025 was a negative.