UCLA's 2025 season wasn't all bad for the future

UCLA had a rough 2025 season. One that ended with them going 3-9 and firing their head coach just three games into the season. There seemed to be a glimmer of hope midway through the season when UCLA went on a three-game winning streak. Starting with an upset of No. 7 Penn State and then beating Michigan State and Maryland. That put them at 3-4 on the season after their 0-4 start. But then it came crashing back down to earth with a 56-6 loss against Indiana on Big Noon Kickoff.

Overall, it was not a very good season. After the Indiana loss they lost another four games and ending on a five-game skid. Only really competing in the Nebraska game. But the positive is the team stuck together. Tim Skipper, who came in to take over for Deshaun Foster was tasked with a tough position. He coached the team well and was a big players guy. Leading to another opportunity for him to take over as Cal Poly head coach. After he signed a five-year contract with them after the season concluded.

The season could’ve easily spiraled out of control with players giving up. But they’re never seemed to be a sense of players quitting on the team. That in itself is a testament to the culture that was created. Nico Iamaleava played as tough as he could and never complained. The offense played as good as they could for Jerry Neuheisel as well, despite the challenges at hand. Kevin Coyle got the best he could out of the defense and led to the defensive backs playing well in coverage.

3-9 is not a good record and well below the standards that UCLA has. But it could have easily been worse, and the Bruins could’ve lost more to the transfer portal. Skipper was never going to be the guy long-term, but in his nine games as head coach, they were a crucial part of the future. Guys like Rodrick Pleasant, Eugene Brooks and Iamaleava returned under Bob Chesney. Those were three big names they needed back and they secured those commitments. It wasn’t all bad in the end.