Utah vs UCLA Prediction, Game Preview, and Betting Lines: College Football 2025

Originally posted on College Football News
By Pete Fiutak | Last updated Aug 25, 2025 2:41 PM ET

We should all be used to it by now, but this is a Big 12 vs Big Ten battle between two programs that belong in something called the Pac-12.

But for both, this is a massive jumping-off point to what should be interesting seasons.

For Utah, it's coming off a shocking clunker, going from Big 12 preseason favorite to 5-7 with a 1-7 finish. Win this, and with Cal Poly and Wyoming up next, the Utes should be 3-0 before diving into Big 12 play against Texas Tech.

UCLA is in the second year of the DeShaun Foster era. It was supposed to be a transition first season, and now it's about improving to get bowl eligible. With UNLV, New Mexico, and Northwestern up next, there's a chance for a great start with a win.

College Football 2025 Week 1: Utah vs UCLA Odds, Prediction & Preview

Utah vs UCLA How To Watch
Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
Game Time: 11:00 PM ET
TV: FOX
Location: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA

Why Utah Will Win

Utah has itself a quarterback,

Cam Rising was never healthy last year, the quarterback situation was a constant mess, and everything trickled down from there.

In comes Devon Dampier from New Mexico, along with new offensive coordinator Jason Beck. The attack will be faster, more dynamic, and far, far better, with dangerous skill parts brought in from the portal to work around the new guy.

The Ute lines are still a killer - that wasn't necessarily a problem last year - the UCLA offensive front has to hold up, and the running attack that was 132nd in the nation has to be far, far better. However ...

Why UCLA Will Win

UCLA has itself a quarterback.

The passing game was fine last season, but signing Tennessee's Nico Iamaleava was a signal that the program was serious about getting better in a hurry.

The star quarterback should make everyone around him stronger, including a good group of starting receivers and an improved backfield. Iamaleava will get the spotlight, but it's the other side of the ball that needs to be the star.

UCLA's defense was fantastic last season. It was terrific against the run, the new parts in the linebacking corps should hold Dampier in check, and ...

Utah vs UCLA Who Will Win

This is the Utah we were expecting last season.

Iamaleava will be terrific, but this isn't the team to go against if you're trying to get the ground game going. The Bruin offense will move the ball, but will stall a bit too often.

The UCLA breaks will come by picking off Dampier twice, but over the course of the game, the Ute lines will be too strong.

Utah vs UCLA Prediction, Betting Lines

Utah 27, UCLA 23
Consensus Line: Utah -6.5, o/u: 51.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2
Must See Rating: 3.5

Consensus Line from BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

This article first appeared on College Football News and was syndicated with permission.

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