Nico Iamaleava, UCLA Disappoint Fans with Loss vs. NW in 1st Game Since Foster Firing

UCLA remained winless to open the 2025 season with a 17-14 loss to Northwestern at Martin Stadium on Saturday.

While the Bruins initially trailed 17-0 before cutting the deficit to three points late in the fourth quarter, they were stopped by the Wildcats' defense on their final drive of the game.

UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava finished 19-of-27 for 180 yards and one touchdown, adding a team-high 65 yards on the ground.

The Bruins continued to struggle following the firing of head coach DeShaun Foster on Sept. 14, now sitting at 0-4 this year.

Fans weren't impressed with the performance.

Saturday's contest initially appeared as if it would become a blowout quickly, as Northwestern held UCLA to just three points in the first half.

Meanwhile, the Wildcats scored on each of their first three drives. This included a pair of touchdowns in the second quarter, highlighted by a 10-yard pass from Preston Stone to Griffin Wilde in the end zone.

The Bruins showed signs of life with a field goal in the third quarter before Iamaleava connected with Kwazi Gilmer for a 29-yard touchdown pass later in the fourth. An ensuing two-point conversion pulled UCLA to within three points.

The Bruins were never able to close the gap, though.

UCLA's late rally fell short, as Northwestern continued to rely on its rushing attack throughout the contest.

The Wildcats picked up 199 yards on the ground as a team, averaging 4.7 yards per carry.

They were led by Caleb Komolafe, who amassed a game-high 119 rush yards and a touchdown on 27 attempts.

UCLA now owns a record of 3-7 against Big Ten opponents since moving to the conference ahead of the 2024 season, and their next chance to emerge with a win won't be an easy one.

Following Saturday's defeat, the Bruins will host No. 3 Penn State on Oct. 4.