Here is a look at what news you may want to be aware of as UCLA goes into Big Ten Media Days.
Bruin fans are looking forward to UCLA's 2025 college football season. This will be their second season with head coach DeShaun Foster, and this will also be their second season competing in the Big Ten Conference. Certain media personalities, fans, and college football analysts have varying opinions about what this squad will achieve, ranging from becoming a "sleeper" to continuing to struggle in a tough league.
Nico Iamaleava and the new offensive identity this season should improve considerably from last season. No disrespect to former quarterback Ethan Garbers and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, but the Bruins' offense should be able to put more points on the scoreboard this season and, most importantly, be more consistent from game to game. The most notable player at UCLA right now, who has fans and college football experts intrigued, is transfer quarterback Nico Iamaleava from the University of Tennessee. Iamaleava, who led the Vols to the college football playoffs last season and who is already quite popular, is expected to make a significant difference and provide the offense with the "firepower" it needs.
A better rushing game is expected this season. Head coach DeShaun Foster, a former NFL running back, has stated that UCLA's run game, which ranked 131st in the country last season, needs improvement. Jalen Berger, a redshirt senior, Anthony Woods, a transfer from Utah, and Jaivian Thomas, a transfer from Cal, should help the backfield. The offensive line was bolstered this offseason with the additions of Eugene Brooks (Oklahoma), Julian Armella (Florida State), and Courtland Ford (Kentucky).
Developing a strong defensive front after losing key players to the NFL draft these past two seasons is the goal for this season. Ikaika Malloe is back for his second season as defensive coordinator. His defensive line recently ranked sixth in the country for stopping the run. Siale Taupaki and Devin Aupiu are two impactful players in the front seven, and they look to continue their dedication to stopping the opposing team's running game.
Secondary changes this offseason, following UCLA's loss of a few key players, but several veteran defensive backs arrived at Westwood during the transfer window. Some of the new players who are projected to have an instant impact on the secondary are Bryon Threats (UCF), Key Lawrence (Ole Miss), Rodrick Pleasant (Oregon), Aaron Williams (Louisville), Andre Jordan Jr. (Oregon State), and Robert Stafford (Miami, FL).
Coach Foster's coaching staff is entering its second season with stability. The staff has some continuity on that side of the ball thanks to the fact that Ikaika Malloe was hired as defensive coordinator to replace D'Anton Lynn, who left to become the defensive coordinator at USC. Foster has also established a reputation for himself in the workplace by hiring individuals who share his values, and he was able to keep the core of his coaching staff from last season.
The UCLA team's biggest concern on its quest to return to an eight-win season is its Big Ten schedule. UCLA's conference schedule resembles a marathon. In 2025, they will play USC, Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Washington. Their first regular-season test will be against Utah, a strong opponent even though they aren't in the Big Ten or SEC. They do have home games against Maryland and New Mexico, as well as winnable road games against UNLV and Northwestern but their schedule overall is ranked as the third most difficult schedule out of the 136 FBS teams according to certain national publications.
UCLA is not getting much respect in Big Ten preseason polls and rankings.
The Bruins are arguably compiling the highest-rated incoming recruiting class in years.
UCLA is not playing any FCS schools in non-conference play and will be challenged before the start of conference play.