Pasadena, Calif. — Under the bright lights of the Rose Bowl, freshman quarterback TJ Lateef delivered a near-flawless debut, completing 13 of 15 passes for 205 yards and three touchdowns as Nebraska held off UCLA 28–21 on Saturday night. The win marked the Cornhuskers’ first victory in Pasadena since 1993.
Lateef, a Compton native playing just 25 miles from home, replaced injured starter Dylan Raiola, who is sidelined for the season with a leg injury. Making history as Nebraska’s first true freshman starting quarterback since 1950, Lateef led the Huskers (7–3, 4–3 Big Ten) to touchdowns on each of their first four possessions, building a commanding 27–7 lead.
“I was just trying to soak it all in,” Lateef said afterward. “Playing back home, starting for Nebraska—it was a blessing.”
Lateef and Johnson Power Huskers Early
Lateef made an immediate impact, finding Jacory Barney Jr. on a 2-yard toss for the first touchdown after a video review confirmed the score. Moments later, he connected with Emmett Johnson on a screen pass that turned into a highlight — Johnson broke free down the sideline for a 56-yard touchdown.
Johnson continued to carry the offense, plunging in for a 1-yard score late in the second quarter before adding a 40-yard touchdown reception early in the third.
“Emmett is just an absolute weapon,” said Nebraska coach Matt Rhule. “He’s the kind of player that makes everyone around him better.”
By night’s end, Johnson became the first Nebraska player since 2018 to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in a season. He finished with 129 yards on 28 carries and a touchdown on the ground, plus 103 receiving yards and two scores through the air.
Lateef, meanwhile, was surgical — completing his first ten passes and showing poise beyond his years. “It was awesome hearing the crowd chanting my name,” he said, grinning. “That’s a moment I’ll never forget.”
UCLA’s Rally Falls Short
After falling behind 28–7, UCLA (3–6, 3–3) showed life in the second half. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava threw a 45-yard touchdown to Anthony Woods and later hit Anthony Frias II from nine yards out to pull within seven with under five minutes remaining.
Iamaleava finished 17 of 25 for 191 yards and two touchdowns, also leading the Bruins in rushing with 86 yards. But Nebraska’s defense held firm late, denying any final comeback attempt.
“Nico was fantastic — an absolute warrior,” Rhule said. “We hit him hard early, and he just kept getting back up. Tremendous respect for that kid.”
UCLA’s only first-half touchdown came from Jalen Berger, who scored on a direct snap from one yard out to tie the game 7–7. Kicker Mateen Bhaghani later missed a 49-yard field goal that would have cut into Nebraska’s halftime lead.
Key Moment: A Risk That Backfired
Desperate for momentum, UCLA attempted a fake punt from its own 19-yard line late in the third quarter. Defensive lineman Jacob Busic managed to pick up the first down, but a false start penalty nullified the play. Forced to punt again, the Bruins lost their best chance to close the gap before the fourth.
Takeaways
Nebraska: Already bowl eligible, the Cornhuskers’ offense looks revitalized under Lateef, whose efficiency gives Rhule a promising quarterback for the future. Combined with Johnson’s explosiveness, Nebraska could be in line for a high-profile bowl appearance.
UCLA: The Bruins’ late push showed grit, but inconsistency continues to plague them. With a brutal closing stretch against No. 1 Ohio State, No. 24 Washington, and No. 20 USC, postseason hopes are fading fast.
Up Next:
Nebraska: Bye week before visiting Penn State on Nov. 22 — Rhule’s first trip back to his alma mater.
UCLA: Travels to face No. 1 Ohio State next Saturday in Columbus.
