Dampier leads Utah past UCLA 43-10 to start 2025 season

Devon Dampier and Utah dominated from the opening series, and the Utes opened their 2025 season with a 43-10 rout of UCLA on Saturday night at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The New Mexico transfer completed 21 of 25 passes for 206 yards, rushed for 87 yards and accounted for three total touchdowns as Utah rolled up nearly 500 yards of offense and turned a longtime regional rivalry into a one-sided affair.

Utah seized control early and did not let up. The Utes converted 14 of 16 third downs, sustained long drives and leaned on a balanced attack under new offensive coordinator Jason Beck. Two defensive players lined up on offense paid dividends: cornerback Smith Snowden scored on an 11-yard sweep and linebacker Lander Barton caught a 14-yard touchdown, while safety Jackson Bennee also moved the chains with a 17-yard reception. Utah’s defense finished with four sacks and five tackles for loss, repeatedly flushing UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava from the pocket.

Iamaleava, the Tennessee transfer whose arrival generated offseason buzz for the Bruins, completed 11 of 22 passes for 136 yards, added 47 rushing yards, and threw one touchdown and one interception. He was sacked four times...