Nebraska Football Faces UCLA After Star QB’s Injury

The Nebraska Cornhuskers will face the UCLA Bruins on November 8, 2025, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. This matchup comes on the heels of a heartbreaking loss for Nebraska, which saw star quarterback Dylan Raiola suffer a season-ending injury during last Saturday’s Black Out showdown. Without Raiola, Nebraska aims to secure its first victory against one of the Big Ten’s new additions.

In the absence of Raiola, freshman quarterback TJ Lateef steps into the spotlight. Lateef’s debut was less than ideal, but offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen has crafted a game plan tailored to his strengths. This Saturday’s contest represents a critical opportunity for Lateef to demonstrate his capabilities in front of friends and family in California.

Preview of the Matchup

The Cornhuskers enter the game with a record of 6-3 and 3-3 in the Big Ten, while the Bruins stand at 3-5 with a 3-2 conference record. Kickoff is set for 20:00 CST and will be broadcast live on FOX, featuring Tim Brando on play-by-play, Devin Gardner as analyst, and Josh Sims on the sidelines.

UCLA, under interim head coach Tim Skipper, has shown significant improvement since his promotion to offensive coordinator. The Bruins recently achieved a season-high 42 points in an upset victory over No. 7 Penn State, reflecting a rejuvenated offense. A key contributor has been quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who leads the Bruins with 388 rushing yards and four touchdowns.

Key Players and Statistics

For Nebraska, the loss of Raiola is a significant blow. He had been a pivotal leader for the team, and his absence could be felt deeply. Lateef will need to utilize his mobility and quick decision-making to counter UCLA’s defensive pressure and keep the game competitive.

UCLA’s offensive resurgence has been bolstered by several key returners. Among them is running back Jalen Berger, who has been a formidable presence in the backfield, splitting carries effectively. Meanwhile, wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer has emerged as the leading receiver for the Bruins, accumulating 382 yards and two touchdowns this season.

On the defensive side, the Cornhuskers will need to contain the Bruins’ potent rushing attack while also managing their red zone efficiency, which ranks sixth nationally with a success rate of 95.8%.

Nebraska’s defense, known as the Blackshirts, faces a daunting task. They must find a way to slow down UCLA’s offense, which has been revitalized under Neuheisel’s leadership. The Cornhuskers’ previous performance against USC showed promise, but their ability to stop the run will be critical if they hope to emerge victorious.

As both teams prepare for this compelling matchup, the question remains: Can Nebraska rebound from the emotional toll of last week’s loss? The Cornhuskers have historically struggled in the wake of similar defeats, but this season’s squad has demonstrated resilience. With the pressure of playoff aspirations lifted, Nebraska may find solace in approaching the game with a “nothing to lose” mentality.

This game promises to be an exciting late-night showdown on the West Coast, with both teams vying for a crucial win in the college football landscape. Fans can follow the action live on the Huskers Radio Network and various affiliates, ensuring that the excitement of Nebraska football remains at the forefront.