If you were sitting in the Coliseum this past November, you felt that weird, buzzing tension that only exists when two teams from the same zip code try to ruin each other's year. Most people saw the final score and figured it was just another day at the office for Lincoln Riley. But honestly, the UCLA vs USC results from the 2025 season told a much weirder story than a simple 29-10 blowout.
It was a game of two halves. Actually, it was a game of one half where UCLA looked like they might actually pull off the upset of the decade, and another where the Trojans remembered they were playing for a perfect home record.
The Breakdown of the 2025 Victory Bell Matchup
UCLA came into this game as a massive 21.5-point underdog. Nobody gave them a chance. They were sitting at 3-8, basically just playing for pride and a chance to spray-paint a bell. And for thirty minutes, it looked like they might do it.
The Bruins went into the locker room at halftime leading 10-7. Kwazi Gilmer had snagged a 2-yard touchdown pass from Nico Iamaleava, and Mateen Bhaghani nailed a 38-yard field goal right before the break. The vibe in the stadium was... quiet. Kinda awkward, really. USC had only managed seven points on an early King Miller run, and their offense looked stuck in the mud without Makai Lemon, who sat out the first quarter.
Then the third quarter happened.
USC’s defense decided they were done giving up points. They held the Bruins scoreless for the entire second half. Meanwhile, Jayden Maiava finally found his rhythm, connecting with Makai Lemon for a 32-yard touchdown with just 25 seconds left in the third. That was the turning point. Once the Trojans took the 14-10 lead, the wheels just fell off for UCLA.
Why King Miller Is the Name You Need to Know
If you’re looking at the UCLA vs USC results to understand the future of this rivalry, look at King Miller. This kid is a redshirt freshman walk-on, which is insane when you see his stats. He put up 166 all-purpose yards and two rushing touchdowns.
His 41-yard score in the fourth quarter was basically the dagger. It was the longest rushing TD UCLA’s defense allowed all year. Miller finished his regular season with 873 yards, and honestly, he’s probably the biggest reason USC finished 9-3 and undefeated at the Coliseum for the first time since 2022.
The Basketball Court Wasn’t Any Kinder
While football is the big draw, the hardwood results from the 2024-25 season were even more lopsided. Mick Cronin’s squad absolutely dismantled the Trojans.
- January 27, 2025: UCLA went into the Galen Center and walked out with an 82-76 win.
- March 8, 2025: The rematch at Pauley Pavilion was a bloodbath. UCLA won 90-63.
UCLA hit 15 three-pointers in that March game. That’s the most they’ve hit in a single game since 2019. Tyler Bilodeau was a nightmare for the USC defense, and the Bruins used that momentum to finish 22-9. USC, on the other hand, struggled through a 15-16 season. It’s a complete flip from the football field. While USC owns the "Victory Bell" right now, UCLA is currently the king of the court in Los Angeles.
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Understanding the Historical Weight of UCLA vs USC Results
You can't just look at one year. This rivalry is 95 games deep. USC leads the all-time football series 52-34-7. But UCLA fans will always remind you of the 90s, when they won eight in a row. That’s still the longest winning streak either side has ever managed.
The move to the Big Ten has changed the stakes, too. It’s not just about the Rose Bowl anymore; it’s about surviving a national schedule. In 2025, USC’s 7-2 conference record proved they could handle the travel, while UCLA’s 3-6 Big Ten finish showed just how much work they have to do.
What These Results Mean for 2026
The Bruins are in a "thorough program reboot," as some analysts are calling it. They finished 3-9. That’s rough. They missed bowl eligibility and have serious questions to answer at quarterback and on the defensive line.
USC is heading into a high-tier bowl game with a lot of momentum. They’ve got a massive recruiting class coming in for 2026, including guys like Luke Wafle and Jahkeem Stewart. Lincoln Riley is now 3-1 against UCLA. If he keeps this up, the "Battle of LA" might start feeling a bit one-sided on the grass.
Actions to Take for Fans and Follow-up
If you're tracking the rivalry, keep an eye on the transfer portal this spring. UCLA needs immediate help if they want to close the 19-point gap we saw in November. For USC, the focus is on whether Jayden Maiava can keep the starting job or if one of the incoming five-star recruits pushes him for the spot.
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Check the official athletic sites for the spring game schedules. Usually, these happen in April, and it’s the first real look at how the rosters are shifting. With both teams now fully settled into the Big Ten, the margin for error is basically zero.
Next Steps for Deep-Diving Fans:
- Monitor the Transfer Portal: Watch for UCLA's pursuit of defensive depth to prevent another second-half collapse like the one at the Coliseum.
- Check Spring Ball Rosters: Look for King Miller’s status; if he earns a scholarship, it changes the scholarship math for USC's 2026 class.
- Verify Basketball Tournament Seeding: As the 2026 season approaches, see if UCLA’s defensive rankings hold up against the new Big Ten offensive powerhouses.