A stunning upset has left UCLA reeling, with head coach DeShaun Foster facing intense scrutiny after a disastrous loss to the New Mexico Lobos. The theme of ‘Bruins at Rock Bottom’ encapsulates the current state of the program following the 35-10 defeat at the Rose Bowl on Friday, September 12, 2025. As reported by 247 Sports, the loss marks UCLA’s third consecutive to start the 2025 season and New Mexico’s first-ever victory against a Big Ten opponent, a truly embarrassing outcome for the Bruins and their fans.
Foster’s Post-Game Assessment
DeShaun Foster did not mince words in his post-game press conference. Visibly frustrated, he pinpointed the team’s lack of discipline and execution as the primary culprits behind the humiliating loss. “Not the outcome at all that we wanted. It’s coming down to discipline and execution. Not executing at a high level and not making plays when we need to,” Foster lamented, according to Pasadena Now. This statement underscores the critical issues plaguing the Bruins early in the season.
Discipline and Execution Failures
The statistics paint a clear picture of UCLA’s struggles. The Bruins were penalized 13 times for a staggering 116 yards, a recurring problem that has plagued their performance throughout the young season. This lack of discipline, combined with an inability to execute plays effectively, proved to be a fatal combination against a New Mexico team hungry for an upset. As noted by the Daily Bruin, these penalties consistently disrupted any momentum the Bruins attempted to build.
Offensive and Defensive Shortcomings
The game exposed significant weaknesses on both sides of the ball for UCLA. Offensively, quarterback Nico Iamaleava, despite completing 22 of 34 passes for 217 yards and one touchdown, struggled to find consistency and committed a costly interception. The team managed only 326 total yards, a far cry from the offensive output expected from a Power Four program. Defensively, the Bruins were unable to contain New Mexico’s rushing attack, which gained a dominant 298 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Damon Bankston proved to be a particular thorn in UCLA’s side, racking up 154 rushing yards on just 15 carries. The New Mexico Lobos Official Athletics Website highlighted Bankston’s performance as a key factor in their victory.
Impact and Fallout
The loss to New Mexico carries significant implications for the UCLA football program and DeShaun Foster’s future as head coach.
Pressure on Coach Foster
The 0-3 start to the season has undoubtedly intensified the pressure on Foster, who is in his second season at the helm. As reported by Heavy Sports, the team now faces a bye week before entering a challenging Big Ten conference schedule. Many are questioning the team’s ability to secure a win this season, given their current form and the daunting schedule ahead. The loss to New Mexico, a team UCLA was heavily favored to beat, has only amplified these concerns.
Financial Implications and Embarrassment
Adding insult to injury, reports indicate that UCLA paid New Mexico $1.2 million to schedule the game. According to On3, this is a common practice for Power Four schools to schedule what are intended to be “tune-up” games. However, in this instance, the arrangement backfired spectacularly, resulting in a costly and embarrassing defeat. This financial aspect further underscores the magnitude of the upset and the depth of the Bruins’ current struggles.
The Road Ahead: Overcoming Rock Bottom
DeShaun Foster faces a monumental task in turning around the UCLA football program. The loss to New Mexico serves as a stark wake-up call, highlighting the urgent need for improvement in discipline, execution, and overall performance. As Foster himself acknowledged, “It’s pretty low right now… It’s just unfortunate what’s going on at this moment. We’re just not executing.” (Yardbarker). The bye week provides an opportunity for the team to regroup, address their weaknesses, and prepare for the challenges of the Big Ten conference schedule. However, the road to recovery will be long and arduous, requiring a significant shift in mindset and a renewed commitment to excellence from both players and coaches.
