UCLA’s Next Opponent Loses Key Star Ahead of Clash

The No. 2-ranked Indiana Hoosiers will be hosting a red-hot Bruins team without a key player.

Sep 6, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers defensive lineman Kellan Wyatt (13) and defensive back Louis Moore (7) celebrate after forcing a turnover during the second half against the Kennesaw State Owls at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

The UCLA Bruins (3-4, 3-1 Big Ten) are riding an impressive three-game turnaround, but ahead is possibly the hottest team in the nation -- the No. 2-ranked Indiana Hoosiers. Curt Cignetti's squad will be without a key defensive player, though.

Hoosiers senior defensive end Kellan Ryatt went down with a knee injury in their 38-13 win over Michigan State on Saturday, and Cignetti updated reporters on his future status on Monday.

"Right now it looks like a long-term injury," Cignetti said. "I'm not sure if we'll see him the rest of the season or not."

Wyatt is Indiana's fifth-leading tackler, posting 28 total tackles (12 solo and 16 assisted) and 2.6 sacks in seven games this season. His production would've been integral to combat a red-hot UCLA offense when they clash in Bloomington this Saturday.

Regardless of the loss, and what many would have thought going into the season, this game is one of the most anticipated in Week 9's college football slate. Which only makes sense that it's taking the main stage.

Sep 12, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers defensive lineman Kellan Wyatt (13) warms up prior to the game against the Indiana State Sycamores at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

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UCLA Set for National Spotlight in Indiana Showdown

The Bruins continue an improbable turnaround under Tim Skipper and, after a grueling win over Maryland, will be taking the FOX Big Noon Kickoff national stage against No. 2 Indiana.

Oct 11, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive back Key Lawrence (4) holds up a towel branding the Michigan State logo after beating the Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images | Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images

Coverage of the matchup begins at 10 a.m. ET on Saturday, and the Bruins kick off against a dominant Hoosiers squad at 12 p.m. ET in Bloomington, Indiana.

Skipper Reacts to Big Noon News

UCLA coaches and players learned they'd be taking the prominent stage just moments after surviving a gritty Terrapins team with a game-winning field goal.

Sep 27, 2025; Evanston, Illinois, USA; UCLA Bruins interim head coach Tim Skipper during the second half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

What Skipper said:

• “To be honest, what’s hitting me, is that a month ago I was talking to you guys and if you told me we’d be in a Big Noon game, I’d be telling you that you’re just trying to mess with me. That is awesome. It means we’re doing something right. We’ll get ready to go. We’ll leave on Thursday and we’ll play on Saturday. We’re going have a good week of practice, and then we’re going to battle it out.”

UCLA's interim head coach Tim Skipper celebrates after a Bruins touchdown against Michigan State during the third quarter on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Skipper's done a terrific turning things around in Westwood. After starting the season 0-4, the Bruins are winners of three straight and are tied for 2nd in the Big Ten, coming out of Week 8 one of the seven teams with a 3-1 conference record.

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