UCLA vs. USC, Picks and Prediction for Saturday, November 29, 2025
It’s a matchup on the gridiron between Big Ten foes as they tangle in the City of Angels, looking to earn a win. The UCLA Bruins are on the road as they travel to take on the #17 USC Trojans Saturday night. UCLA comes in off a 48-14 home defeat to Washington last Saturday in their previous contest, failing to cover the line as an 11.5-point underdog. USC fell 42-27 on the road to #7 Oregon last Saturday, failing the line as a 10.5-point underdog in their previous contest. In the all-time series between the programs, USC owns a 51-34-7 edge, including a 19-13 road win in the most recent meeting, which cameon November 23, 2024. Read more about this UCLA vs. USC prediction! Don’t get penalized! Increase your bankroll with our NCAAF Betting Picks!
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UCLA Looking for Upset Win in Finale
UCLA suffered their fourth straight loss as it was trounced by Washington at home last week in their previous contest. The Bruins fell to 3-8 overall on the season and stand 3-5 in the Big Ten entering this contest. Against Washington, UCLA never threatened in the contest as they were down 3-0 after the opening quarter, 20-0 at the half and 34-0 in the third quarter before finally getting on the board. By that point in time, the game was out of reach. UCLA was beaten 426-207 in total offense, gave up 25 first downs while picking up 10, lost time of possession by a 34:27 to 25:33 margin, and turned the ball over three times, including a scoop-six, while forcing two takeaways.
The Bruins enter this game 115th in the FBS in passing offense with an average of 178.5 yards per game through the air. UCLA is 84th in the country in rushing offense by averaging 142.5 yards per contest on the ground. The Bruins average 18.9 points per game, which is 124th in the FBS in scoring offense. Meanwhile, UCLA’s defense ranks 125th in scoring defense as they allow an average of 33.8 points per contest. Nico Iamaleava is 181 of 285 passing for 1,728 yards with 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions this season while leading the team with 490 yards plus four scores on the ground. Luke Duncan (21 of 34, 235 yards, two TD) is the backup. Jaivian Thomas is second among the Bruins’ running backs on the ground with 81 carries for 294 yards and a score on the year. Jalen Berger (74 carries, 307 yards, two TD) and Anthony Woods (58 carries, 266 yards) are more than capable of doing damage when they touch the ball. Kwazi Gilmer leads the team with 40 receptions for 462 yards and three scores. Mikey Matthews (29 catches, 310 yards, two TD), Titus Mokiao-Atimalala (21 grabs, 275 yards, three TD), Rico Flores Jr. (26 catches, 274 yards) and Woods (19 receptions, 184 yards, two TD) are other targets for Iamaleava in the aerial assault. Mateen Bhaghani has hit all 21 extra point attempts and 15 of 19 field goal attempts with a long of 54 this season.
Key Injury Report for UCLA:
- Quarterback Nico Iamaleava (neck) is questionable.
- Wide receiver Rico Flores Jr. (calf) is questionable.
Trojans Seek to Bounce Back From Loss
USC saw their three-game win streak snapped as they were dropped on the road by #7 Oregon last week in their previous contest. The Trojans dropped to 8-3 overall and they stand fifth in the Big Ten with a 6-2 mark in conference play. Against Oregon, USC drove for a touchdown after the opening kickoff for a 7-0 advantage but that was their lone lead of the day. The Trojans trailed 14-7 after the opening quarter, tied the game at 14 just eight seconds into the second quarter but gave up 14 unanswered points to trail 28-14 at the half. They never got closer than seven the rest of the way as they went down in defeat. USC lost the total yardage battle 436-382, gave up 25 first downs while picking up 23, lost time of possession by a 33:04 to 26:56 margin and turned the ball over twice while forcing one takeaway. They also allowed a punt return for a score.
The Trojans are 7th in the nation in passing offense with 301 yards per game, while they rank 44th in rushing by averaging 178.2 yards per contest. USC is 14th in the FBS in scoring offense with 37.2 points per game, while they rank 61st in the country of the 136 FBS teams to play in scoring defense by giving up 23.5 points per contest. Jayden Maiava is 226 of 314 passing for 3,174 yards with 21 touchdowns against eight interceptions while adding 140 yards plus six scores on the ground. Husan Longstreet (13 of 15, 103 yards, TD, 76 rush yards, two TD) and Sam Huard (one of one, 10 yards) have seen limited action. King Miller leads the team on the ground with 114 carries for 749 yards and five scores. Waymond Jordan (88 carries, 576 yards, five TD) and Eli Sanders (47 carries, 264 yards, two TD) are the next backs in line. Makai Lemon leads the team with 78 catches for 1,124 yards plus 10 scores this season. Tight end Lake McRee (27 grabs, 420 yards, three TD), Ja’Kobi Lane (46 catches, 693 yards, four TD), Tanook Hines (25 receptions, 367 yards, two TD) and Walker Lyons (17 grabs, 201 yards, two TD) are all over 200 receiving yards this year. Ryon Sayen has converted 44 of 44 extra point attempts and 17 of 19 field goal attempts with a long of 54 this year. William Weisberg is two of two on extra point attempts without attempting a field goal on the year.
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Key Injury Report for USC:
- Running back Waymond Jordan (ankle) is questionable.
- Running back Eli Sanders (knee) is out for the season.
UCLA vs. USC Pick
Spread Pick for UCLA vs. USC
- USC -21.5 (4 units)
UCLA has struggled all season, and things aren’t going to get better for them here. The Bruins may be without Iamaleava under center here again, and to be fair, their offense has been mediocre even with him running the offense. USC was knocked off by Oregon in their previous game, but they are a perfect 6-0 at home with five of those by at least 14 points. The only team to be involved in a one-score game at the LA Coliseum was Iowa, which is a stingy defensive squad. UCLA is in the bottom 15 of the FBS in both scoring offense and scoring defense this season. Look for the Trojans to win this one in a romp.
Over/Under Pick for UCLA vs. USC
- Over 58.5 (4 units)
UCLA has seen the over post a 6-5 mark in their 11 games on the year. The Bruins enter this game having gone over the total in four straight contests, allowing at least 48 points in three of those games. USC has seen the over post a 6-5 mark on the year entering this contest. While the Trojans have piled up points at home, scoring at least 31 points in five of their six home games on the year and they face a weak UCLA defense that has surrendered at least 30 points in three of their five road games. Given UCLA’s defensive issues, USC puts up 40-plus points here and that helps this game edge over the mark.
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