UCLA Bruins vs UNLV Rebels Prediction, Odds and Picks for Saturday, 09/06/25

The Nico Iamaleava era got off to a horrendous start at UCLA, coming off a 43-10 stomping of a loss against Utah. The Utes’ defense ranked top-30 in total defense a year ago and seems to be improved in the new campaign, and is a far tougher unit to deal with than what the Rebels have. UNLV has given up 26 points per game through two weak opponents with a struggling secondary that surrendered 395 passing yards to FCS Idaho State.

Although Iamaleava struggled in Week 1, we’ve seen he is capable of making big plays and I expect that big-play potential to shine against this UNLV defense, which in result should open up the run game as well for the Bruins. On the other end, UCLA’s defense looked rough in the season opener, allowing 286 rushing yards and 4 TDs on the ground against Utah. The Rebels have posted 457 rushing yards in 2 games and should run rampant on the Bruins’ front seven. I’m fading both squads’ defenses and will be taking the over in this matchup.

UCLA vs UNLV prediction: Over 53.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable up to 54.5 (-110).