Utah Utes vs UCLA Bruins Prediction, Odds and Picks for Saturday, 08/30/25

We have an not-so-old Pac-12 matchup on our hands to close out Saturday’s Week 1 slate between the Utah Utes and UCLA Bruins. I’m very high on this Utah team in what could be Kyle Whittingham’s final year as the head coach, and the Utes should take a massive leap on offense after bringing in Devon Dampier (New Mexico), along with offensive coordinator Jason Beck to completely revamp this unit. Dampier could be one of the best dual threat quarterbacks in the nation, and he should be in position to succeed behind what should be the best offensive line in the Big 12, which immediately gives the Utah offense a leg up on a UCLA defense that returns just one starter from a season ago and will be breaking in 14 new transfers on that side of the ball. I’m confident in Dampier and the Utes ability to control the line of scrimmage, particularly as the game wears on.

On the other side of the ball, Nico Iamaleava steps in at quarterback for a Bruins offense that is only returning 2 starters and will also be breaking in 11 non-quarterback transfers this season. While he certainly has plenty of arm talent, Iamaleava left a lot to be desired from a pocket presence and decision-making perspective last season, and things won’t get any easier against defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley’s 4-2-5 scheme to open the campaign. With so many moving parts for the Bruins offense, I have a hard time believing that UCLA will hit the ground running on Saturday. From a numbers perspective, this is a game that I have projected closer to Utah as a 4.5-point favorite, but this is an instance where I’m comfortable backing the Utes at anything under a touchdown.

Utah vs UCLA prediction: Utah -5.5 available at time of publishing. Playable to -6. 

If you’re looking for a new sportsbook, check out Bet365, the world’s #1 sportsbook. They have an amazing sign-up offer where you can INSTANTLY receive $150 in bonus bets from a $5 wager, regardless of whether that bet wins or loses! There’s no catch, it’s really that simple. Join Bet365 right now ⏰ in time to fade or follow our experts’ Utah vs UCLA predictions.

While there are arguments for both sides in this game, the under is the only way I can look in this contest, regardless of which sides covers the number. As mentioned in the point spread writeup, this Utah defense is a very difficult matchup for a young quarterback to face, especially when it will be for the first time. With that in mind, I’m expecting Iamaleava to struggle mightily at numerous points throughout this contest, and the plethora of moving pieces on the UCLA offensive line and at the skill positions suggests that the Bruins will experience some growing pains in Saturday’s season opener. As for Utah’s offense, I am bullish on the Utes from a long-term perspective this season, but I could certainly see Dampier and company work out the kinks a bit in a matchup against a UCLA defense that should be more talented than it was a season ago. Let’s take the under at the current number.

Under 52.5 available at time of publishing. Playable to 52.