Utah vs UCLA Prediction 8/30/2025 Today’s College Football Picks

In this article we will formulate a Utah vs UCLA prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, August 30th at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week 1 matchup.

Utah Utes Betting Preview

The Utah Utes went 5-7 (2-7) last year and they finished tied for 13th in the Big 12 standings with Arizona and UCF. Utah started the season with four straight wins, but they lost the next seven, as the season spiraled out of control. The Utes picked up wins against Southern Utah, Baylor, Utah State, Oklahoma State, and UCF, while they lost to Arizona, ASU, TCU, Houston, BYU, Colorado, and Iowa State. Utah scored 23.6 points per game in 2024, which was 102nd in the country, while they allowed 20.7 points against per game, which was ranked 25th. 

This season, Utah will have Devon Dampier under center, who played very well for New Mexico last year. The Utes did replace their running back production from the portal and also grabbed a few wide receivers, which was a shake up the offense desperately needed. On the bright side, the offensive line should be very solid at protecting Dampier and controlling the line. On defense, Utah always seems to be very good and the linebackers should lead the unit. The defensive line doesn’t have many snaps, but the secondary should be very good. This Utah team should be very improved from the 2024 disaster and will contend for the Big 12 Title. 

UCLA Bruins Betting Preview

The UCLA Bruins were 5-7 (3-6) in 2024 and they finished tied for 12th in the Big Ten standings with Nebraska, Michigan State, and Wisconsin. UCLA started the season playing very poorly, but they did win four of their last six games and almost made a bowl game. The Bruins got wins over Hawaii, Rutgers, Nebraska, Iowa, and Fresno State, while they lost to Indiana, LSU, Oregon, Penn State, Minnesota, Washington, and USC. UCLA scored 18.4 points per game in 2024, which was ranked 126th, while they allowed 25.2 points against per game, which was 68th. 

This year, UCLA will have Nico Iamaleava under center, but I am curious how well he is going to play after the decisions that removed him from Tennessee. The Bruins offense was awful last year, so they brought in key pieces from the portal at WR, RB, OL, and QB. I do expect the UCLA offense to be better this season, but it may take a while for all of these moving pieces to fit in. On defense, UCLA was actually pretty solid last year, but they lost most of their production. The Bruins did get some nice pieces in the secondary from the transfer portal, but the front seven has some serious question marks that will be tested here. 

Why UCLA will cover against Utah 

• Utah has lost each of its last four games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
• UCLA has won eight of its last nine games against non-conference opponents at Rose Bowl.
• Utah has failed to cover the spread in eight of its last nine games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
• The home team has covered the spread in each of the last four games between Utah and UCLA.

Total Points Facts

• Nine of UCLA’s last 10 home games have gone UNDER the total points line.
• Nine of Utah’s last 10 games in California have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• UCLA ranked 6th among FBS teams for rushing yards allowed per game last season (96.2).
• UCLA ranked T8th among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage against last season (35.7).
• Utah ranked 125th among FBS teams for 3rd down conversion percentage last season (32.7).
• Utah ranked 14th among FBS teams for time of possession per game last season (32:07).

Utah vs UCLA Prediction 

UCLA will host this battle with Utah, which should be a great game in week one, but they are a pretty good sized home underdog. Both of these teams have plenty of new faces, so it won’t shock me if we see some sloppy play in the first half. I do think this is too many points for UCLA, who will have the better quarterback in the game and the home field advantage. Utah’s defense will be tough, but I think UCLA has a great chance to get the win, so I will gladly take the points here.