The virtual gridiron was alive with drama as we wrapped up our UCLA Bruins simulation series in College Football 26. Through every high and low, the 2025 season has been an exciting ride for UCLA fans eager to see how DeShaun Foster's squad would perform in this dynamic, stats-driven college football environment.

Simulating UCLA's 2025 Season in College Football 26

This simulation, powered entirely by College Football 26's dynasty mode, captured everything from win streaks to player breakouts and close defeats. Now, the Tony The Tiger Sun Bowl, where the Bruins squared off against the nationally ranked Duke Blue Devils.

Bowl Game Recap

Matchup: UCLA Bruins (7–5, 4–5 Big Ten) vs No. 23 Duke Blue Devils (9–3, 6–2 ACC)

Final Score: Duke 28, UCLA 24

Location: El Paso, Texas

Big Ten Finish: 10th place

Returning to El Paso for another shot at the Sun Bowl, UCLA found themselves in a gritty showdown against a Duke team that consistently performs well in simulation despite lower overall ratings. The game unfolded as a dramatic back-and-forth battle, but ultimately, the Bruins fell 28-24 after surrendering a go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Both teams started sluggishly, combining for a scoreless first quarter. The second quarter, however, lit up with offense, particularly from the Bruins, who put up 21 points behind some sharp quarterback play and explosive receiving. Duke responded with 14 of their own before halftime, setting up a tight second half. UCLA managed just three more points as Duke's defense clamped down, while the Blue Devils chipped away with touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters.

Standout Players

Nico Iamaleava – QB

Despite an inconsistent finish to the regular season, Nico Iamaleava ended the year on a strong note. In his final simulated game of the season, he passed for 257 yards and three touchdowns, completing 15-of-31 attempts. While the offensive line struggled, allowing four sacks, Iamaleava still earned a respectable 149.9 passer rating. His performance kept the Bruins competitive until the very end.

Jaivian Thomas – RB

Usually one of UCLA's more dynamic threats, Jaivian Thomas had a quieter game, rushing for 89 yards on 15 carries. He showed flashes of power by breaking four tackles, but couldn't find the end zone or ignite any big plays down the stretch.

Rico Flores Jr. – WR

No player shined brighter than Rico Flores Jr., who cemented his status as UCLA's breakout star. With six receptions for 167 yards and three touchdowns, Flores was not only the offensive MVP of the game but also earned Big Ten Player of the Week honors for his effort. His chemistry with Iamaleava was on full display, and no other receiver on the team managed more than 30 yards. Their connection has been a cornerstone of UCLA's offensive success all season long.

Defense Highlights

Linebacker Jalen Woods finished off an impressive season with 11 tackles (10 solo), including a tackle for loss and a sack. His consistency and leadership on the field were instrumental all year.

Meanwhile, Isaiah Chisom and Keanu Williams contributed solid efforts of their own, each recording 10 and eight tackles respectively, along with tackles for loss and shared sack credit.

A Season of Growth Under DeShaun Foster

While the Sun Bowl loss may have ended things on a somber note, the broader view tells a more optimistic story. This was just the second season under head coach DeShaun Foster, and expectations were modest heading into the simulation. Many projections had UCLA finishing near the bottom of the Big Ten in their first year of conference play. Instead, they emerged with a 7–6 overall record and a respectable 4–5 conference mark, good enough for 10th place.

There's reason for optimism in Westwood, both in reality and in College Football 26. Young stars like Iamaleava and Flores provide the type of playmaking spark that can carry a team, and the Bruins' defense has multiple solid contributors to build around.

Final Thoughts

The Bruins' 2025 simulated season in College Football 26 had everything: high-scoring shootouts, nail-biting losses, unexpected stars, and a bowl appearance against a top-25 opponent. Though the Sun Bowl didn't go their way, UCLA showed growth, promise, and resilience, all critical ingredients for a program on the rise.

For players tracking progression and team development within College Football 26, accumulating College Football 26 Coins played a key role in how UCLA's season evolved. These in-game coins allowed for enhanced training regimens, player development boosts, and even alternate uniforms, all of which influenced the team's overall simulated performance. With strategic use of College Football 26 Coins, player development paths, and creative play-calling, the future looks bright in both the digital and real-life landscapes of college football. As we look ahead to the next iteration of the game, and potentially the next season, fans can feel excited about what lies ahead for the Bruins.

Stay tuned on MMOPTK for more simulations, game breakdowns, and recruiting class previews as we continue diving deep into College Football 26.

MMOPTK College Football 26 Team