UCLA vs. UNLV Picks and Prediction for Saturday, September 6, 2025
Week 2 of the college football season rolls on with a battle of squads looking for momentum as a team from the Big Ten clashes on the gridiron with a Mountain West foe as the UCLA Bruins travel to take on the UNLV Rebels Saturday night and we have you covered with our UCLA vs. UNLV prediction. UCLA was blown out 43-10 at home by Utah in their season opener last Saturday, failing to cover the line as a 6.5-point underdog. UNLV earned a 38-21 win on the road over Sam Houston State, covering the line as a nine-point favorite. In the all-time series between the teams as FBS opponents, the Bruins won both previous meetings, including a 42-21 home win in the most recent matchup on September 10, 2016. Read more about this UCLA vs. UNLV prediction! Don’t get penalized! Increase your bankroll with our NCAAF Betting Picks!
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UCLA Tries to Shrug Off Blowout Loss
UCLA had high hopes for this season but saw things go sour almost immediately as they were clobbered by Utah at home in their opener. The Bruins now go on the road and look to even their record with a triumph here. Against Utah, UCLA couldn’t get going offensively or record stops in the early going, putting them in a hole they were unable to dig out of, dooming them to defeat. The Bruins found themselves down 13-0 after the opening quarter and 23-7 at the half. UCLA never got closer than 13 in the second half en route to the loss. UCLA was outgained 492-220 in total offense, gave up 30 first downs while picking up 14, lost time of possession by a 37:28 to 22:32 margin and committed the game’s only turnover.
Nico Iamaleava, who transferred from Tennessee, completed 11 of 22 passes for 143 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He led the team on the ground with 13 carries for 47 yards. Jaivian Thomas (seven carries, 17 yards), Anthony Woods (three carries, 13 yards) and Jalen Berger (five carries, seven yards) were ineffective in the ground game. Woods (three catches, 48 yards, TD) and Kwasi Gilmer (three catches, 31 yards) led the team in receptions. Jack Pedersen (two grabs, 26 yards) and Mikey Matthews (two receptions, 22 yards) were the only other players with more than one catch. Mateen Bhagnani connected on his lone extra point attempt and hit his only field goal attempt, which came from 46 yards.
Rebels Look to Start Season 3-0
UNLV took down Sam Houston State on the road last week to improve to 2-0 on the season as they were one of the few teams to play in week 0. The Rebels now look to carry that momentum at home as they take the field here. Against Sam Houston State, UNLV took the lead for good in the final minute of the opening quarter for a 14-7 advantage and didn’t look back. The Rebels pushed the margin to 24-7 at the half and 31-7 after three quarters before cruising home. UNLV held a 404-342 edge in total offense in a game where both teams picked up 20 first downs and committed one turnover. The Rebels were edged 30:18 to 29:42 in time of possession in the game.
The Rebels enter this week 55th in the nation in passing offense with 240.5 yards per game through the air and stand 33rd in rushing offense by grinding out 227.5 yards per contest on the ground. UNLV is 43rd in the FBS in scoring offense by averaging 38 points per game and 100th in scoring defense as they allow 26 points a contest. Anthony Colandrea is 34 of 44 passing for 444 yards with three touchdowns and one interception while ranking second on the team in rushing with 19 carries for 116 yards and a score. Alex Orji is three of three passing for 37 yards while adding 41 yards and a score on the ground. Ja’Den Thomas leads the team on the ground with 19 carries for 212 yards and four scores. Keyvone Lee (12 carries, 47 yards) and Jaylon Glover (11 carries, 37 yards) are next in line. Jaden Bradley leads the team with 12 receptions for 256 yards and a touchdown on the year. JoJo Earle (six catches, 65 yards) and Var’Keyes Gumms (three catches, 43 yards) are other options in the passing game. Ramon Villela is 10 of 10 on extra point attempts and two of four on field goal attempts with a long of 29 on the year.
UCLA vs. UNLV Pick
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Earle Sports Bets | +2,298.00 |
| 2 |  Ross Benjamin | +1,840.00 |
| 3 |  Rob Vincilleti | +1,757.00 |
| 4 |  David Hess | +1,745.00 |
| 5 |  Dan Kaiser | +987.00 |
Spread Pick for UCLA vs. UNLV
- UNLV Rebels +3 (4 units)
There wasn’t much to like about UCLA’s performance in the season opener as Devon Dampier carved up the Bruins’ defense. Meanwhile, Iamaleava struggled to do much against Utah’s defense. While it’s safe to say that UNLV’s defense doesn’t come close to matching up to Utah’s, it’s tough to see the Bruins slowing down UNLV’s attack. Colandrea was sharp in his first two games and the Rebels have been solid running the ball in Dan Mullen’s system. UNLV is at home and should likely be giving points, not getting them, based on what we saw last week. Take the Rebels in this contest.
Over/Under Pick for UCLA vs. UNLV
Over 54.5 (4 units)
UCLA was sliced up defensively in their season opener and that is a problem. The Bruins went over the total in the game with Utah, with the teams combining for 53 points to surpass the number of 49.5 set at the sportsbooks. Last season, UCLA saw the under hit in eight of their 12 games, including splitting their six road contests. UNLV split its first two games in relation to the total on the year. The Rebels combined with Idaho State for 69 points in the opener, edging past the number of 68 set for the game. Last week, they combined with Sam Houston State for 59 points to stay just under the number of 60.5 points. With UNLV’s defense looking soft and UCLA’s defense weak, take the over in this contest.
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