UCLA Stuns Penn State: Jerry Neuheisel Sparks an Electrifying Upset

In one of the most dramatic turnarounds in recent college football memory, the unranked UCLA Bruins stunned the No. 7 Penn State Nittany Lions 42–37 at the Rose Bowl, clinching their first win of the season and sending shockwaves through the college football world. At the heart of this electrifying upset was 33-year-old offensive coordinator Jerry Neuheisel, a former Bruins quarterback and the son of program legend Rick Neuheisel, who stepped into the playcalling role just days before the game. The atmosphere was electric from the opening whistle, with fans erupting in chants of “Jerry! Jerry! Jerry!” as Neuheisel, sporting his signature sun-bleached blond hair, orchestrated a masterful offensive game plan. UCLA, previously ranked 134th in scoring offense and coming off a bruising 0–4 start, looked reborn under Neuheisel’s direction. The Bruins jumped to a 27–7 halftime lead, scoring on each of their first five drives, and quarterback Nico Iamaleava delivered a career-defining performance with three rushing touchdowns and two passing scores. “It’s up there,” Neuheisel said with a beaming grin when asked where this victory ranked among his UCLA memories. “First thing I want to say, is that I love UCLA more than anything. And the kind of kids that you see that played on that field today is exactly why you love a place like this. We had two days to practice a new game plan, and all they did was believe. And we came out and played as hard as we could for 60 minutes. We had to take a safety at the end because we messed it up a little bit, but how can you not love college football when you have days like this? Special, special, special.” This victory was historic on multiple fronts. The Bruins became the first team in 40 years to start 0–4 and then defeat a top-10 opponent, a feat not accomplished since UTEP toppled No. 7 BYU in 1985. Even Neuheisel himself admitted that the belief in an upset only took root during the team’s spirited meetings the night before. “It was the most enthusiastic 0-4 team you’d ever seen in your life. And all of a sudden you get this delusional optimism like, ‘We might have a chance at this thing,’” he recalled. The path to victory was anything but smooth. Neuheisel, having only recently been promoted from tight ends coach after the departure of former offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri, confessed to some rookie mistakes on the headset and communication lines. Yet, the energy and confidence he brought were infectious. Nico Iamaleava, who transferred from Tennessee and had yet to find his stride, was suddenly unstoppable, racking up 166 passing yards and 128 rushing yards, including a dazzling 52-yard scramble. Interim head coach Tim Skipper, who made the bold move to hand the offense to Neuheisel, praised both his young coordinator and his quarterback: “He puts that belief in us that we can go out there and execute, and he put together a great game plan for us. Big-time players make big-time plays, and that’s what [Nico] did out there.” The game was not without its tense moments. After a late defensive stand, UCLA intentionally took a safety to preserve a five-point lead. The Nittany Lions, desperate and determined, could not break through as Bruins defensive back Scooter Jackson made a crucial sack to stifle Penn State’s last hope. For Neuheisel, the win was personal and symbolic. Eleven years ago, he too was carried off the field after a comeback win over Texas as a player. Now, hoisted by his players again, he quipped, “This time, I did not have a mouthguard, so I put this one just a little bit above the other one.” As the Bruins prepare for their next challenge against Michigan State, the question now is whether this stunning victory will be a springboard for the rest of the season or a fleeting moment of glory. But for one unforgettable Saturday, UCLA football—and college football itself—reminded us all why we love the game: for its unpredictability, its drama, and its heroes rising in the unlikeliest of moments. For more on Jerry Neuheisel’s journey and this incredible upset, follow Jerry Neuheisel on X, check out the FOX Sports feature on his playcalling debut, and see the full recap at the Los Angeles Times.