UCLA, Utah Face Transfer Quarterbacks in 2025 Season Opener

The UCLA Bruins prepare to open their 2025 football season against the Utah Utes, reigniting a rivalry from their shared Pac-12 days. UCLA hopes to improve its historically weak rushing attack by utilizing transfer running back Jaivian Thomas alongside returning back Jalen Berger, both named to the Doak Walker Award Watch List, signaling high expectations. On defense, UCLA's secondary features new transfer strong safety Key Lawrence, praised for his leadership and stepping into a crucial role. Meanwhile, Utah's defense, led by veteran coordinator Morgan Scalley, remains formidable, particularly their experienced secondary known for interceptions and limiting passing yards. However, Utah's pass rush may be a vulnerability, ranking seventh in sacks last season, which UCLA will aim to exploit to support quarterback Nico Iamaleava, himself a high-profile transfer from Tennessee. The game carries additional intrigue due to the debut of two transfer quarterbacks, Iamaleava for UCLA and Devon Dampier for Utah, spotlighting shifts in college football dynamics in the NIL era.