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2w ago

Utah Blows Out UCLA as Nico Iamaleava Struggles in Bruins Debut

The result intensified scrutiny of DeShaun Foster following an offseason of NIL-fueled quarterback moves.

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PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 30: Nico Iamaleava #9 of the UCLA Bruins passes the ball during the first half of a game against the Utah Utes at Rose Bowl Stadium on August 30, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
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UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) drops back to pass against Utah during first half of their game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)

Overview

  • Utah beat UCLA 43-10 at the Rose Bowl, with quarterback Devon Dampier going 21-for-25 for 206 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for 87 yards on 16 carries.
  • In his first game for UCLA, Nico Iamaleava finished 11-of-22 for 136 yards with one touchdown and one interception, rushed for 47 yards, was sacked four times and said, “I didn’t execute at a high level.”
  • The Utes outgained the Bruins 492-220 and converted 14 of 16 third downs as UCLA managed just 84 rushing yards and struggled to sustain drives.
  • Announced attendance was 35,032, with many UCLA fans departing early as Utah supporters made a strong showing.
  • Comparisons intensified after Tennessee’s new starter Joey Aguilar, who arrived via the portal, threw for 247 yards and three touchdowns in a win over Syracuse, underscoring the offseason quarterback swap linked to reported NIL negotiations.