Nebraska Defeats UCLA at Rose Bowl
True Freshman TJ Lateef Delivers Debut Performance as Huskers Win First Pasadena Game Since 1993
Nebraska defeated UCLA 28-21 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on November 8, 2025, securing its first victory in Pasadena since 1993. True freshman quarterback TJ Lateef made his first collegiate start, completing 13 of 15 passes for 205 yards and three touchdowns after replacing Dylan Raiola, who sustained a fractured fibula against USC the previous week. Running back Emmett Johnson recorded a historic 129 rushing yards and 103 receiving yards for 232 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns, becoming the first Nebraska running back ever to achieve 100 yards in both rushing and receiving categories in the same game. The victory improved Nebraska to 7-3 overall and 4-3 in Big Ten play, marking the program’s best 10-game record since 2016.
Statistical Overview
Key Performances
Game Flow
Historic Significance
Team Statistics
| Category | Nebraska | UCLA |
|---|---|---|
| Total Offense | 361 yards | 348 yards |
| Rushing Yards | 156 yards | 157 yards |
| Passing Yards | 205 yards | 191 yards |
| First Downs | 20 | 21 |
| Time of Possession | 30:00 | 30:00 |
| 3rd Down Conversions | 5-8 | 8-14 |
| Team Rushing Attempts | 39 | 37 |
Game Summary
Nebraska’s 28-21 victory over UCLA on November 8, 2025, established Lateef as a capable starting quarterback and reinforced Johnson as a centerpiece playmaker for the Cornhuskers offense. The team achieved bowl eligibility for the second consecutive season under head coach Matt Rhule. The Huskers enter a bye week before traveling to Penn State on November 22, with Rhule returning to his alma mater where he played linebacker from 1994 to 1997. UCLA (3-6, 3-3 Big Ten) continues its season against ranked opposition, visiting No. 1 Ohio State in the coming week. The game’s outcome placed Nebraska in a stronger position for its pursuit of a top-tier bowl selection with two regular-season games remaining.
