Saturday, September 6
Las Vegas, NV
5:00 PM (PT)
UCLA
0-2 , 0-0
23
at
30
UNLV
3-0 , 0-0
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
F
UCLA
0
3
10
10
23
UNLV
10
13
0
7
30
Photo by: Isabella Serafini
Roaring Second Half Not Enough for Bruins in Las Vegas Saturday
September 06, 2025 | Football
LAS VEGAS โ The UCLA football team's second half surge came up short at Allegiant Stadium Saturday night, falling to UNLV, 30-23, despite a strong push in the final 30 minutes.
ย
Redshirt sophomore Nico Iamaleava improved from week one, throwing for 255 yards on 29-of-41 passing and accounting for two touchdowns. Including his team-high 59 rushing yards, Iamaleava recorded 314 yards of total offense, marking the third time in his career he has crossed over the 300-yard mark.
ย
The Bruins (0-2, 0-0 Big Ten) led Saturday's game in total yards and outpaced the Rebels (3-0, 0-0 Mountain West) 428-351 on the night. UCLA dominated the second half with 318 yards of total offense compared to UNLV's 101. The Bruins were 2-for-3 on third down in the fourth quarter, scoring 10 points in the final frame.
"(It was) a tale of two halves," said UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster.ย "First half, we didn't really show up the way that we wanted to. Second half, we were able to make some plays but were still doing some things we shouldn't have done, stopping drives and just getting in our own way. But it's something we can fix. We've got a short week this week, so we've got to get in there and get ready to go. We're going to get it fixed."
ย
Sophomore wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer was Iamaleava's top target, hauling in a career-high eight catches for 87 yards. His 87 yards were the second most in his young career.
ย
Redshirt senior linebacker JonJon Vaughns led the Bruin defense in week two with 10 tackles (4-6-10), marking his second straight game with double-digit stops. Redshirt sophomore Isaiah Chisom added nine tackles while redshirt senior Kechaun Bennett and redshirt junior Anthony Jones recorded a sack each.
ย
Saturday night's contest was marred by a litany of penalties with a total of 27 for 129 yards each between the two squads.
ย
A flurry of flags were thrown on the first drive of the night, with the Rebels picking up flags for holding and an illegal shift; the Bruins were called for pass interference to give UNLV its first first down of the evening. UCLA's defense put the brakes on UNLV's march downfield, as Chisom and Jones wrapped up Rebel QB Anthony Colandrea just past the midfield logo. The Rebels were forced to kick a 50-yard field goal.
ย
On UCLA's first offensive possession, junior Javian Thomas broke off for a 32-yard rush to cross half field. Redshirt senior Jalen Berger added three yards on the next play, but UCLA was unable to secure another set of downs before punting to UNLV. UCLA picked up three penalties for 35 yards on the drive; the Rebels found the end zone first, scoring in six plays to extend their lead to 10 before the break.
ย
Berger picked up 15 yards on first down to get the Bruins moving on their second drive of the evening. Iamaleava audibled and scrambled for two yards on a fourth-and-one near UCLA's 45-yard line to keep the drive possession alive. The quarterback completed one pass attempt for a short gain during the next set of downs, but UCLA was unable to secure another first down before punting to the UNLV 13-yard line. The Rebels took 10 plays to go 87 yards and score their second touchdown before the half.
ย
Thomas caught a swing for 12 yards and advanced to the Bruins' 37-yard line. Iamaleava connected with Gilmer for five yards; redshirt junior Anthony Woods was stopped a yard short of a new set of downs on third-and-two. The Bruin quarterback tried to punch it forward but fumbled on fourth-and-one. The Rebels came up with the pigskin. UNLV scored after picking up the ball in UCLA's half but failed to convert the extra point after an errant snap prevented an attempt.
ย
After a UCLA hold and a UNLV unsportsmanlike conduct, the Bruins found themselves at UCLA's 44 with a minute and a half to go before the half. Iamaleava found Gilmer for 15 yards and scrambled for another eight to get into field goal range. UCLA was just shy of a first down, but Berger bounced off a tackle and ripped off an eight-yard run to get within 25 yards of the endzone. Gilmer hauled in a nine-yard reception, setting up a 33-yard field goal for kicker Mateen Bhaghani. The Rebels led 23-3 at halftime.
ย
The Bruin offense came out of the break with renewed confidence. Iamaleava connected with redshirt senior Titus Mokiao-Atimalala and Gilmer on back-to-back throws for 12- and 10-yard receptions, respectively, to move the chains. Woods got free for 18 yards and was forced out of bounds; UCLA was charged with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after the play and was back to half field following the flag enforcement. Iamaleava found redshirt junior tight end Jack Pederson for 15 yards down the left sideline before whipping a ball up the middle to Mokiao-Atimalala for another 15, getting UCLA into the red zone. UNLV was called for pass interference on a ball down the right sideline, putting the Bruins on the Rebel 10 for first-and-goal. Woods found a gap up the middle for six yards; freshman tight end Noah Fox-Flores shot out to the left on the next play and reeled in his first-career touchdown from Iamaleava. Bhaghani made the point-after attempt to bring the Bruins within two scores.
ย
Fox-Flores the only true freshman tight end to record a TD grab over the last 10 seasons for UCLA.
ย
ย
Redshirt sophomore Cole Martin broke up a long ball attempt by the UNLV quarterback on second down en route to a quick three-and-out by the Rebels; UNLV's offense only ticked 53 seconds off the clock in its first appearance of the second half. The Bruin defense forced a punt that was fair caught at the UCLA 31-yard line.
ย
Iamaleava found junior wideout Mikey Matthews for 15 yards to get near half field; a late hit penalty on UNLV turned into a targeting call, giving UCLA downfield position at the UNLV 33-yard line. Gilmer juggled a ball that was deflected his way on an out route, moving the chains with a 12-yard reception. Matthews, Woods and Gilmer combined for nine yards over the next three plays, putting the Bruins on a fourth-and-one at the UNLV 11. Iamaleava kept it himself and rushed 10 yards to get UCLA a first-and-goal on the 1-yard line. Berger was stuffed at the line twice before the Bruins threw a pass; Iamaleava's touchdown to Gilmer was called back on an offensive pass interference. Bhaghani split the uprights from 35 yards after the penalty; UCLA trailed 23-13 heading into the final quarter of play.
ย
The Bruin defense let a long scramble move UNLV downfield and into the red zone. Colandrea threw a bullet into the end zone to put the Rebels up 30-13.
ย
Iamaleava was not finished; he threw for 24 yards and ran for 53 more on the next drive to help the Bruins to another second-half score. The quarterback broke off down for a 30-yard touchdown with just under nine minutes on the game clock; Bhaghani nailed the extra point, UCLA trailed 30-20 with 8:50 to go.
ย
ย
Bennett tracked down Colandrea on second down, recording a sack for a 13-yard loss. The Bruins nearly captured a pick six but the Rebel quarterback was ruled down before flipping the ball to UCLA on the sack. UNLV was forced to punt from inside its own end zone after an illegal substitution penalty.
ย
The Bruins began the next drive at their own 43-yard line. Iamaleava hit Thomas right over the line of scrimmage; the running back got to the 50 before he was brought down. Berger found some open field down the left and gained 20 yards, putting UCLA 30 yards from the end zone. A defensive pass interference advanced UCLA to the 15, but the Bruins were unsuccessful by air in their attempts to score. Bhaghani was called upon for a 33-yard field goal; UCLA cashed in for three and trailed by a touchdown with 5:25 to play.
ย
The Bruin defense came up big on its next appearance on field, allowing only two sets of downs before forcing UNLV to punt.
ย
UCLA took over possession at its 19-yard line. A 19-yard gain by Berger and the Bruins was negated by a hands-to-the-face penalty, bringing UCLA back to the 13-yard line for first-and-16. Gilmer hauled in a toe tapper for 21 yards and first down on second-and-16; redshirt-senior Ezavier Staples tracked down back-to-back receptions for 18 total yards. Woods caught one on the right side and then hurdled a defender to get out of bounds, moving the Bruins deeper into Rebel territory. Gilmer found the sideline again for a 13-yard reception to put UCLA at the UNLV 24 with 67 seconds to go. Iamaleava looked to launch down the middle of the field but had his pass attempt broken up and intercepted on the 13-yard line. UNLV gained a single first down before kneeling out the clock.
ย
UP NEXT โ vs. New Mexico (Sept. 12)
The Bruins return home to take on New Mexico at The Rose Bowl next Friday. UCLA (0-2, 0-0 Big Ten) and New Mexico (1-1, 0-0 Mountain West) are scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. PT in Pasadena.
ย
The game will be televised by the Big Ten Network. Fans can listen in by tuning their radios to KABC-AM 790 for the live call from Josh Lewin, Wayne Cook and Matt Stevens.
ย
TICKETS TO UCLA HOME GAMES AT THE ROSE BOWL
Various ticket packages, including season, mini-plan and single-game tickets, for the Bruins' second Big Ten season are now available. Fans can clickย HEREย or contact UCLA Athletics Sales and Service at (310) 206-5991 or via emailย at tickets@athletics.ucla.edu for more information on personalized ticket options.
Sign up for UCLA Athletics emailsย HEREย to stay up-to-date on inside information, ticket deals and more.
ย
ย
Redshirt sophomore Nico Iamaleava improved from week one, throwing for 255 yards on 29-of-41 passing and accounting for two touchdowns. Including his team-high 59 rushing yards, Iamaleava recorded 314 yards of total offense, marking the third time in his career he has crossed over the 300-yard mark.
ย
The Bruins (0-2, 0-0 Big Ten) led Saturday's game in total yards and outpaced the Rebels (3-0, 0-0 Mountain West) 428-351 on the night. UCLA dominated the second half with 318 yards of total offense compared to UNLV's 101. The Bruins were 2-for-3 on third down in the fourth quarter, scoring 10 points in the final frame.
"(It was) a tale of two halves," said UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster.ย "First half, we didn't really show up the way that we wanted to. Second half, we were able to make some plays but were still doing some things we shouldn't have done, stopping drives and just getting in our own way. But it's something we can fix. We've got a short week this week, so we've got to get in there and get ready to go. We're going to get it fixed."
ย
Sophomore wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer was Iamaleava's top target, hauling in a career-high eight catches for 87 yards. His 87 yards were the second most in his young career.
ย
Redshirt senior linebacker JonJon Vaughns led the Bruin defense in week two with 10 tackles (4-6-10), marking his second straight game with double-digit stops. Redshirt sophomore Isaiah Chisom added nine tackles while redshirt senior Kechaun Bennett and redshirt junior Anthony Jones recorded a sack each.
ย
Saturday night's contest was marred by a litany of penalties with a total of 27 for 129 yards each between the two squads.
ย
A flurry of flags were thrown on the first drive of the night, with the Rebels picking up flags for holding and an illegal shift; the Bruins were called for pass interference to give UNLV its first first down of the evening. UCLA's defense put the brakes on UNLV's march downfield, as Chisom and Jones wrapped up Rebel QB Anthony Colandrea just past the midfield logo. The Rebels were forced to kick a 50-yard field goal.
ย
On UCLA's first offensive possession, junior Javian Thomas broke off for a 32-yard rush to cross half field. Redshirt senior Jalen Berger added three yards on the next play, but UCLA was unable to secure another set of downs before punting to UNLV. UCLA picked up three penalties for 35 yards on the drive; the Rebels found the end zone first, scoring in six plays to extend their lead to 10 before the break.
ย
Berger picked up 15 yards on first down to get the Bruins moving on their second drive of the evening. Iamaleava audibled and scrambled for two yards on a fourth-and-one near UCLA's 45-yard line to keep the drive possession alive. The quarterback completed one pass attempt for a short gain during the next set of downs, but UCLA was unable to secure another first down before punting to the UNLV 13-yard line. The Rebels took 10 plays to go 87 yards and score their second touchdown before the half.
ย
Thomas caught a swing for 12 yards and advanced to the Bruins' 37-yard line. Iamaleava connected with Gilmer for five yards; redshirt junior Anthony Woods was stopped a yard short of a new set of downs on third-and-two. The Bruin quarterback tried to punch it forward but fumbled on fourth-and-one. The Rebels came up with the pigskin. UNLV scored after picking up the ball in UCLA's half but failed to convert the extra point after an errant snap prevented an attempt.
ย
After a UCLA hold and a UNLV unsportsmanlike conduct, the Bruins found themselves at UCLA's 44 with a minute and a half to go before the half. Iamaleava found Gilmer for 15 yards and scrambled for another eight to get into field goal range. UCLA was just shy of a first down, but Berger bounced off a tackle and ripped off an eight-yard run to get within 25 yards of the endzone. Gilmer hauled in a nine-yard reception, setting up a 33-yard field goal for kicker Mateen Bhaghani. The Rebels led 23-3 at halftime.
ย
The Bruin offense came out of the break with renewed confidence. Iamaleava connected with redshirt senior Titus Mokiao-Atimalala and Gilmer on back-to-back throws for 12- and 10-yard receptions, respectively, to move the chains. Woods got free for 18 yards and was forced out of bounds; UCLA was charged with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after the play and was back to half field following the flag enforcement. Iamaleava found redshirt junior tight end Jack Pederson for 15 yards down the left sideline before whipping a ball up the middle to Mokiao-Atimalala for another 15, getting UCLA into the red zone. UNLV was called for pass interference on a ball down the right sideline, putting the Bruins on the Rebel 10 for first-and-goal. Woods found a gap up the middle for six yards; freshman tight end Noah Fox-Flores shot out to the left on the next play and reeled in his first-career touchdown from Iamaleava. Bhaghani made the point-after attempt to bring the Bruins within two scores.
ย
Fox-Flores the only true freshman tight end to record a TD grab over the last 10 seasons for UCLA.
ย
First career TD for the true freshman @noahfoxflores! ??
โ UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) September 7, 2025
pic.twitter.com/jY06TQUijd
ย
Redshirt sophomore Cole Martin broke up a long ball attempt by the UNLV quarterback on second down en route to a quick three-and-out by the Rebels; UNLV's offense only ticked 53 seconds off the clock in its first appearance of the second half. The Bruin defense forced a punt that was fair caught at the UCLA 31-yard line.
ย
Iamaleava found junior wideout Mikey Matthews for 15 yards to get near half field; a late hit penalty on UNLV turned into a targeting call, giving UCLA downfield position at the UNLV 33-yard line. Gilmer juggled a ball that was deflected his way on an out route, moving the chains with a 12-yard reception. Matthews, Woods and Gilmer combined for nine yards over the next three plays, putting the Bruins on a fourth-and-one at the UNLV 11. Iamaleava kept it himself and rushed 10 yards to get UCLA a first-and-goal on the 1-yard line. Berger was stuffed at the line twice before the Bruins threw a pass; Iamaleava's touchdown to Gilmer was called back on an offensive pass interference. Bhaghani split the uprights from 35 yards after the penalty; UCLA trailed 23-13 heading into the final quarter of play.
ย
The Bruin defense let a long scramble move UNLV downfield and into the red zone. Colandrea threw a bullet into the end zone to put the Rebels up 30-13.
ย
Iamaleava was not finished; he threw for 24 yards and ran for 53 more on the next drive to help the Bruins to another second-half score. The quarterback broke off down for a 30-yard touchdown with just under nine minutes on the game clock; Bhaghani nailed the extra point, UCLA trailed 30-20 with 8:50 to go.
ย
.@nico_iamaleava8 with the answer on the 30-yard QB keeper! ??????#GoBruins pic.twitter.com/t7rNn9G72h
โ UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) September 7, 2025
ย
Bennett tracked down Colandrea on second down, recording a sack for a 13-yard loss. The Bruins nearly captured a pick six but the Rebel quarterback was ruled down before flipping the ball to UCLA on the sack. UNLV was forced to punt from inside its own end zone after an illegal substitution penalty.
ย
The Bruins began the next drive at their own 43-yard line. Iamaleava hit Thomas right over the line of scrimmage; the running back got to the 50 before he was brought down. Berger found some open field down the left and gained 20 yards, putting UCLA 30 yards from the end zone. A defensive pass interference advanced UCLA to the 15, but the Bruins were unsuccessful by air in their attempts to score. Bhaghani was called upon for a 33-yard field goal; UCLA cashed in for three and trailed by a touchdown with 5:25 to play.
ย
The Bruin defense came up big on its next appearance on field, allowing only two sets of downs before forcing UNLV to punt.
ย
UCLA took over possession at its 19-yard line. A 19-yard gain by Berger and the Bruins was negated by a hands-to-the-face penalty, bringing UCLA back to the 13-yard line for first-and-16. Gilmer hauled in a toe tapper for 21 yards and first down on second-and-16; redshirt-senior Ezavier Staples tracked down back-to-back receptions for 18 total yards. Woods caught one on the right side and then hurdled a defender to get out of bounds, moving the Bruins deeper into Rebel territory. Gilmer found the sideline again for a 13-yard reception to put UCLA at the UNLV 24 with 67 seconds to go. Iamaleava looked to launch down the middle of the field but had his pass attempt broken up and intercepted on the 13-yard line. UNLV gained a single first down before kneeling out the clock.
ย
UP NEXT โ vs. New Mexico (Sept. 12)
The Bruins return home to take on New Mexico at The Rose Bowl next Friday. UCLA (0-2, 0-0 Big Ten) and New Mexico (1-1, 0-0 Mountain West) are scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. PT in Pasadena.
ย
The game will be televised by the Big Ten Network. Fans can listen in by tuning their radios to KABC-AM 790 for the live call from Josh Lewin, Wayne Cook and Matt Stevens.
ย
TICKETS TO UCLA HOME GAMES AT THE ROSE BOWL
Various ticket packages, including season, mini-plan and single-game tickets, for the Bruins' second Big Ten season are now available. Fans can clickย HEREย or contact UCLA Athletics Sales and Service at (310) 206-5991 or via emailย at tickets@athletics.ucla.edu for more information on personalized ticket options.
Sign up for UCLA Athletics emailsย HEREย to stay up-to-date on inside information, ticket deals and more.
ย
Team Stats
CLA
NLV
Total Yards
428
351
Pass Yards
255
203
Rushing Yards
173
148
Penalty Yards
129
130
1st Downs
27
20
3rd Downs
3
5
4th Downs
4
1
TOP
31:26
28:34
1st Quarter
CLA 0, NLV 3
NLV - Villela,Ramon 50 yd field goal 11 plays, 43 yards, TOP 06:59
CLA 0, NLV 10
NLV - Elksnis,Nick 21 yd pass from Colandrea,Anthony (Villela,Ramon kick) 6 plays, 81 yards, TOP 04:28
2nd Quarter
CLA 0, NLV 17
NLV - Omeire,Troy 21 yd pass from Colandrea,Anthony (Villela,Ramon kick) 11 plays, 87 yards, TOP 05:38
CLA 0, NLV 23
NLV - Lee,Keyvone 19 yd run (), 5 plays, 44 yards, TOP 01:41
CLA 3, NLV 23
CLA - Bhaghani,Mateen 33 yd field goal 9 plays, 46 yards, TOP 01:31
3rd Quarter
CLA 10, NLV 23
CLA - Fox-Flores,Noah 4 yd pass from Iamaleava,Nico (Bhaghani,Mateen kick) 12 plays, 75 yards, TOP 07:12
CLA 13, NLV 23
CLA - Bhaghani,Mateen 35 yd field goal 14 plays, 52 yards, TOP 06:50
4th Quarter
CLA 13, NLV 30
NLV - Gumms,Var'Keyes 17 yd pass from Colandrea,Anthony (Villela,Ramon kick) 6 plays, 75 yards, TOP 02:59
CLA 20, NLV 30
CLA - Iamaleava,Nico 30 yd run (Bhaghani,Mateen kick), 8 plays, 78 yards, TOP 03:08
CLA 23, NLV 30
CLA - Bhaghani,Mateen 33 yd field goal 6 plays, 42 yards, TOP 01:35
Game Leaders
Passing Leaders
CMP
29
TD
1
YDS
255
INT
1
Players Mentioned
DL
/ Football
RB
/ Football
K
/ Football
LB
/ Football
TE
/ Football
WR
/ FootballQB
/ Football
DL
/ Football
DB
/ Football
WR
/ Football
WR
/ Football
WR
/ Football
LB
/ Football
RB
/ FootballUCLA Football Media Availability - Jack Pedersen (Sept. 8, 2025)
Monday, September 08
UCLA Football Media Availability - Coach Foster (Sept. 8, 2025)
Monday, September 08
UCLA Football Media Availability - Jack Pedersen (Sept. 8, 2025)
Monday, September 08
UCLA Football Media Availability - Coach Foster (Sept. 8, 2025)
Monday, September 08