UCLA vs Northwestern Picks and Predictions for Saturday, September 27, 2025
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The UCLA Bruins travel to Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium to take on the Northwestern Wildcats on Saturday, September 27, 2025, televised on BTN. UCLA comes in at 0–3 after a 35–10 loss to New Mexico. Northwestern is 1–2 overall and 0–1 in the Big Ten following a 34–14 defeat to Oregon. From underdogs to point spreads, we’ve got your back with free college football picks.
UCLA Preview
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava has completed 63.9% of his passes for 608 yards, with three touchdowns and three interceptions. Iamaleava is also the team’s top rusher with 139 yards on 30 carries and a touchdown. Running back Anthony Woods has 117 yards at 5.6 yards per carry. Receiver Kwazi Gilmer leads the way with 16 catches for 174 yards, while Mikey Matthews has 123 yards and Titus Mokiao-Atimalala has one of the team’s three receiving touchdowns. The offense has moved the ball, but finishing drives has been a problem.
On defense, linebacker Isaiah Chisom leads the Bruins with 37 tackles. UCLA has only two sacks through three games, with Kechaun Bennett and Anthony Jones recording one each. The secondary has yet to pick off a pass, which puts more pressure on the front seven. Special teams have been strong with Mateen Bhaghani hitting all five field goal attempts, including on from 51 yards.
Northwestern Preview
Quarterback Preston Stone has thrown for 541 yards with three touchdowns and six interceptions, completing 59.3% of his passes. The Wildcats have been more dangerous on the ground. Caleb Komolafe leads with 150 yards, Cam Porter adds 137 with a long run of 43, and Joseph Himon II has matched Porter with 137 yards of his own. Freshman Dashun Reeder added a 79-yard touchdown run. Griffin Wilde is the leading receiver with 213 yards, while Drew Wagner and Hunter Welcing have each scored.
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On defense, Northwestern has a solid mix of tackling and turnovers. Robert Fitzgerald leads the unit with 27 tackles. Linebacker Mac Uihlein has two interceptions, while Carmine Bastone and Michael Kilbane have combined for 2.0 sacks. The Wildcats will try to use their run defense and pass rush to force UCLA into mistakes.
UCLA vs Northwestern Prediction
Northwestern has a better running game and a defense that creates turnovers. UCLA can keep the score close, but the Wildcats have more ways to control the game on offense as well as disrupting UCLA by forcing the Bruins into making mistakes. Northwestern will win at home. Final Score Prediction: Northwestern Wildcats win and cover ATS 30-17
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Best Picks
- Northwestern Wildcats -6.5
- UCLA Bruins team total under 24.5
