New Mexico vs UCLA Picks and Predictions for Friday, September 12, 2025

By: David Anicetti Published 09/07/2025, 10:45 PM ET

On Friday, the New Mexico Lobos visit the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California to play the UCLA Bruins with a 10:00 PM ET kickoff on BTN. New Mexico split its first two, falling at Michigan before beating Idaho State, and now faces another step up in athleticism and depth in Pasadena. UCLA is looking to bounce back after losses to Utah and UNLV. Keep up to date with all the College Football action, with our College Football predictions.

New Mexico Preview

New Mexico’s offense has leaned on up-tempo play. Quarterback Jack Layne has completed 363 yards with a 1/3 TD-INT ratio, and the Lobos have supplemented with backs in the passing game to move the chains. Scottre Humphrey leads in rushing with 174 yards and two touchdowns, and the offense has four rushing TDs through two games. The receivers are led by Dorian Thomas with 127 yards and two touchdown receptions.

New Mexico's defense is led by lineman Jaxton Eck with 23 tackles, followed by cornerback Abraham Williams with 11. New Mexico has not made a quarterback sack nor have the logos intercepted any passes through the first two games of the regular season. New Mexico is scoring an average of 24.5 points per game and allowing an average of 28.0 points per game.

UCLA Preview

The Bruins’ offense is not playing its best yet. Nico Iamaleava has thrown for 391 yards and 2 TD and two interceptions while also leading the team with 106 rushing yards and a score. On the perimeter, freshman standout Kwazi Gilmer has been UCLA’s most reliable target with 118 yards on 11 receptions.

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UCLA’s defensive front has playmakers capable of disrupting any opponent. Linebacker Isaiah Chisom has piled up 26 total tackles, while Kechaun Bennett and Anthony Jones have produced in the backfield, helping to stop drives with key tackles and defending passes. The UCLA defense has made two quarterback sacks but has not yet intercepted any passes.

New Mexico vs UCLA Prediction

UCLA will use the run game and its quarterback’s passing to mount sustained drives, and let the pass rush contain New Mexico’s offense. The Bruins will find their first win of the season when home on Friday, while New Mexico will return home with a loss. Final Score Prediction: UCLA Bruins win and cover ATS 38-12.