UCLA vs. Washington: Predicting the Key Numbers

UCLA stars need to have a big game against Washington

Nov 8, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Anthony Woods (6) celebrates his touchdown scored against the Nebraska Cornhuskers with quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

UCLA is back at home, hoping to end its final game at the Rose Bowl in the win column. While bowl game hopes are officially gone, UCLA still has plenty to play for.

This game could prove to be very important for Jerry Neuheisel and Tim Skipper as other teams' hiring processes start to move forward. Players at UCLA also could be looking for a fresh start next season, so if they can bolster their stats in any way, they will.

Nico Iamaleava | Quarterback

Nov 8, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) runs the ball ahead of Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back Deshon Singleton (8) during the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Nico Iamaleava missed UCLA’s last game against No. 1 Ohio State — a matchup viewed as a personal revenge opportunity after the Buckeyes knocked him out of the playoffs last year at Tennessee. He has a real shot of playing against Washington. Earlier this week, he participated in drills during practice.

Iamaleava has played well against Big Ten opponents this season, showing flashes against Penn State, Nebraska, and Michigan State. However, Washington has shown it can be a pretty good team this season, so it will be up to Iamaleava to keep up.

Stat Prediction vs Washington: 18/25, 173 yards, two touchdowns; 14 carries, 49 yards, one touchdown.

Jaivian Thomas | Running Back

Nov 8, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Jaivian Thomas (21) runs the ball against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Six different running backs saw action in the loss to Ohio State, a snapshot of a backfield that has struggled to find consistency all season. With no clear lead option emerging, it appears Jerry Neuheisel will continue splitting carries between Jaivian Thomas and Jalen Berger down the stretch.

After rushing for 626 yards and eight touchdowns on 6.2 yards per carry last season with Cal, Thomas was expected to perform right out of the gate. This hasn't been the case, as all of his numbers have dropped significantly. However, given the crowded backfield, Thomas still has been the No.1 option to this point.

Oct 11, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; UCLA Bruins offensive linemen celebrate a touchdown with running back Jaivian Thomas (21) in the third quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images | Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images

Unfortunately for Thomas, he’ll be facing a Washington defense that has steadily improved against the run. The Huskies held Purdue to just 100 rushing yards on 3.3 yards per carry last week.

Stat Prediction vs Washington: 13 carries, 40 yards

Kwazi Gilmer | Wide Receiver

Nov 8, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer (3) runs the ball ahead of Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back Donovan Jones (37) during the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

After a hot start to the season, Kwazi Gilmer’s production has cooled off considerably. The sophomore led UCLA in receiving in three of the first five games, but in recent weeks, he has been overshadowed by other targets in the Bruins’ offense.

Last week, against a very strong Ohio State secondary, Gilmer was able to make his impact felt, scoring a touchdown as well as catching four passes for 37 yards. However, fans are still expecting him to do more.

Nov 8, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer (3) warms up prior to the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Washington has repeatedly shown it can neutralize opposing No. 1 receivers. Fortunately for Gilmer, the rise of Rico Flores Jr. gives defenses another threat to worry about, likely forcing the Huskies to shift more attention toward Flores and easing some of the pressure on Gilmer.

Prediction vs Washington: 5 catches, 58 yards, one touchdown.

Rico Flores Jr | Wide Receiver

Sep 28, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Nikko Reed (9) tackles UCLA Bruins wide receiver Rico Flores Jr. (1) during the third quarter at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

It has been the Rico Flores Jr. show since he returned from last season’s ACL injury. Since making his debut on Sept. 27 against Northwestern, Flores has led the Bruins in receiving, emerging as UCLA’s most reliable target.

In each of UCLA’s last three games, Flores has led the Bruins in receiving. During that stretch, he has totaled 12 catches for 161 yards — production that came against elite defenses, including No. 1 Ohio State and No. 2 Indiana.

Oct 11, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Titus Mokiao-Atimalala (2) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Rico Flores Jr. (1) in the second quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images | Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images

Gilmer and Flores Jr will be crucial in this matchup. If either of them gets going, this game can easily swing in the Bruins' direction.

Prediction vs Washington: 3 catches, 49 yards, one touchdown.

Nov 8, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins offensive coordinator Jerry Neuheisel during the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

If these playmakers meet — or even exceed — their projected performances, UCLA will have a legitimate chance to walk out of senior night with a win.

Ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @UCLAInsideronSI and @cmorenoNBA to keep up with every story surrounding UCLA athletics!

Please let us know your thoughts on this when you like our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.