UCLA heads to Columbus for a Saturday matchup with the best team in the country. Ohio State is on fire. They have possibly the best defense in the country and a high-powered offense. They are clicking on all cylinders and are by far the best team for a reason. They were 31-point favorites in this game which has now gone up to 34 points following the new of Nico Iamaleava being ruled out.
UCLA with be without quarterback Nico Iamaleava today at Ohio State, sources confirm to ESPN. He’s dealing with a concussion that occurred in the Nebraska game and will not play on Saturday. Redshirt sophomore Luke Duncan will get his first career start. On3 first reported. pic.twitter.com/5wbMLIqp4I
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 15, 2025
UCLA is not playing their best football after going on a three-game winning streak. They were embarrassed in Indiana and struggled against Nebraska. This is a team that should see a lot of turnover within the next month. As they are waiting for the season to end to start making some big decisions. New coach, transfers, the whole nine yards. It’s been a roller coaster season that is approaching its end. Now they will turn to Luke Duncan at quarterback who has never started a game. Tough spot for him to be in versus Ohio State.
UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava will not play today against Ohio State due to a concussion suffered last week vs. Nebraska, per On3.
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) November 15, 2025
Redshirt Sophomore Luke Duncan will make his first career start. pic.twitter.com/WHSUUu22o8
Ohio State is flush with NFL talent and just won the National Championship last season. With a great opportunity at hand to go back to back this season. To say the least it plans on being a long day for UCLA on both sides of the ball. Julian Sayin is in the thick of the Heisman race and a big day for him could lead to being the favorite. Expect UCLA to have a long day in Columbus but bring it closer to the end of the season and the fun beginning for a new era.
Prediction: Ohio State 51 - UCLA 10