What’s Fueling UCLA to Finish a Rollercoaster Season

The Bruins, despite a tumultuous season, are still finding the motivation to play like they have to win each game.

UCLA Bruins head coach Tim Skipper watches during the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 15, 2025. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The UCLA Bruins (3-7, 3-4 Big Ten) may not officially be done for this season, but last week's 48-10 loss to No. 1 Ohio State officially put an end to their quest to complete a turnaround after starting the season 0-4.

Regardless, when you're a Tim Skipper team, you're always going to compete against who is in front of you, and the Bruins have a home clash against the Washington Huskies. 

After the rollercoaster that this season was, how are players still finding motivation to go out and compete when they technically have nothing to play for more than pride? Well, Bruins tight end Jack Pedersen shared a great perspective during Tuesday's media availability.

Oct 12, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins tight end Jack Pedersen (28) catches a pass against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first quarter at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

"This is football," Pedersen said. "This is the game we love. We play this. I always think of it as this is a children's game. We're just big kids playing the kids' game. And, obviously, as you keep rising up the ranks, you get compensated for it and it's people's livelihoods and everything. But at the end of the day, it's a game.

"You know, there's lines and a ball and we just need to have fun and stay motivated. And at the end of the day, I think a lot of us are trying to make it to the next level, the NFL, and people are just watching the games, right? It's not just disregarding. So, play for yourself, play for the university, play for the name on the back of your jersey.

Oct 12, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins tight end Jack Pedersen (28) tries to leap over Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Justin Walley (5) during the first quarter at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

"There's a lot to play for this late in the season. Great things happen. So, we can go out there and win and end the 2025 season with two wins. I think that'd be phenomenal."

This time of the season is when reflection starts to kick in, and interim head coach Tim Skipper could potentially be coaching his final game at the Rose Bowl against Washington on Saturday. So, naturally, he reflected on it.

Skipper Reflects on UCLA Tenure Ahead of Final Rose Bowl Game

Skipper was brought in on a senior advisory role under DeShaun Foster and was promoted once the second-year head coach was dismissed three weeks into the season. Skipper holds a 2-1 record in the Rose Bowl, including a signature upset win against No. 7 Penn State that kicked off a three-game win streak.

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

During Monday's media availability, Skipper was prompted about the thought of Saturday's bout against Washington being his final Rose Bowl game. He admittedly hadn't given it much thought, and probably won't until the season is over.

"I mean, I haven't even gone there," Skipper said on his favorite memory in the stadium. "I'm one of those people that I don't think about the past until the season's over. Then I kind of reflect. So I really don't-- it's just been an honor, you know, to be able to wear these colors and go out there and give our all. So, that would be the memory right there.

"I know the Penn State game will come to mind once I truly reflect and all that stuff, but just the kids playing hard and giving it all we got; that's the main thing."

Oct 4, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins interim head coach Tim Skipper (left) and new offensive coordinator Jerry Neuheisel (right) on the sideline during second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

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