Three Indiana Defensive Players UCLA Can Not Let Dominate

UCLA needs to watch out for these three key Indiana defensive players

Oct 11, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Isaiah Jones (46) celebrates with defensive back Jah Jah Boyd (16), defensive back Ryland Gandy (10) and linebacker Jeff Utzinger (34) after intercepting a pass thrown by Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) (not pictured) during the fourth quarter at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

UCLA is heading to Bloomington to face the No. 2-ranked team in the nation: Indiana. UCLA has its work cut out for it on defense, needing to stop an offense that has been terrorizing teams all season; however, the Hoosier defense is just as scary, if not scarier.

This will be the biggest test of the season for the newly revamped Bruins offense led by Jerry Neuheisel. This game also serves as a test to see whether he is the right guy for the still-vacant head coaching job.

1. Isaiah Jones | Linebacker

Sep 20, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Isaiah Jones (46) celebrates after a sack during the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Isaiah Jones has been an absolute monster at the linebacker position for Indiana this season. He has been excellent on every level of the defense for the Hoosiers, making an impact in both pass coverage and pass rushing.

On the season, Jones has recorded 37 tackles (18 solo), 4.5 sacks (leads team), and one interception. His most impressive game came against Oregon, where he tallied both a sack and an interception.

Nico Iamaleava will have his hands tied dealing with Jones on Saturday. His ability to generate pressure is one thing, but to be effective in coverage adds a huge dimension to his game- something Iamaleava needs to be mindful of.

2. Louis Moore | Defensive Back

Sep 27, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Louis Moore (7) reacts late in the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Louis Moore has probably been the best defensive player this season for Indiana. Moore has given opposing quarterbacks trouble all season. Nico Iamaleava needs to do his best at keeping the ball away from Moore.

This season, Moore has recorded 49 tackles (leads team), four interceptions (leads team), and one pass deflection. Moore has two interceptions in his last three games.

Nico Iamaleava reverted to his early-season self in terms of turnovers, throwing two interceptions against Maryland. He needs to do his best to prioritize ball security, especially against Indiana if there's any hope of an upset.

3. Mikail Kamara | Edge Rusher

Indiana's Mikail Kamara (6) celebraters during the Indiana versus Michigan football game at Memorial Stadium on Friday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Mikail Kamara is coming off a 2024 season where he was named to the First-Team All-Big Ten. He recorded 10 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss. While this season hasn't been as polarizing as last, he is still getting tremendous pressure on quarterbacks.

This season, Kamara has recorded one sack, 12 tackles, and one pass deflection. A slow start in the box score for sure, but his impact game to game has been noticed. Against Oregon, he recorded seven pressures during the win.

Nico Iamaleava has been good at facing pressure this season. He has consistently been able to scramble for good yardage when the play starts breaking down. Iamaleava needs to be on alert this game if the Bruins are hoping to walk out of Bloomington with a win.

Oct 18, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti walks along the sideline during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

The Bruins will take on Indiana this Saturday, hoping to keep the win streak alive. While this task is difficult, it will be up to Nico Iamaleava to navigate this dominate Hoosier defense.

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