The August 30, 2025 matchup between Utah and UCLA at the Rose Bowl is a fascinating early-season clash that will not only test the mettle of two proud programs but also serve as a litmus test for where each stands in their respective transitions, as Utah adjusts to life in the Big 12 and UCLA works to rebound from a rocky first year in the Big Ten. Utah finished 2024 at 5–7, a disappointing campaign by their standards, but one that still showed the defensive identity that has long defined the Utes under Kyle Whittingham, as they allowed just 20.7 points per game and ranked among the top 20 nationally in points allowed, a mark that demonstrated toughness up front and discipline on the back end. The problem for Utah was offense, where they averaged only 23.6 points per game, struggled with consistency at quarterback, and ranked near the bottom nationally in passing yardage, failing to generate the explosive plays necessary to support their defense. Their formula coming into 2025 will again revolve around pounding the ball on the ground behind a physical offensive line, managing the game through mistake-free quarterback play, and letting their defense dictate tempo and field position. UCLA’s struggles in 2024 were even more pronounced offensively, as the Bruins averaged just 18.4 points per game, ranking 126th out of 133 FBS teams, and often looked disjointed up front, shuffling through 10 different offensive line starters as injuries and inconsistency derailed any rhythm.

Head coach DeShaun Foster responded by parting ways with offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and bringing in Tino Sunseri to implement an RPO-driven system designed to get the ball out quickly, limit pressure on the offensive line, and give skill players more opportunities in space. The Bruins also brought in reinforcements from the transfer portal, hoping to stabilize the trenches and create opportunities for playmakers like Logan Loya and Titus Mokiao-Atimalala to reignite the passing attack, while tight end Hudson Habermehl is expected to be featured more heavily as a reliable outlet. Defensively, UCLA has shifted to a 4–2–5 alignment under Ikaika Malloe, emphasizing speed and coverage flexibility to address issues that saw them fade late in games last year. With both teams entering 2025 off 5–7 campaigns, this opener carries added weight as each seeks to prove they are better equipped for the long grind of conference play. Oddsmakers have tabbed Utah as a modest favorite, largely due to the Utes’ proven defensive identity and program stability under Whittingham, compared to the Bruins’ wholesale changes and questions about whether their offense can find traction quickly. For Utah, the keys will be starting fast, taking the crowd out of the game by establishing their run game early, and forcing UCLA into obvious passing downs where their pass rush can take over. For UCLA, the formula revolves around showing that their offensive line is improved, giving their quarterback enough time to execute Sunseri’s system, and finding ways to generate big plays to loosen up a Utah defense that thrives on keeping everything in front of them. In the end, this contest looks like it will be a hard-hitting, low-scoring affair, where field position, turnovers, and red-zone execution determine the outcome, making it an early proving ground for two teams hungry to show they are trending upward.