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Rick Neuheisel unloads emotional reaction to son, Jerry, securing upset win over Penn State as UCLA playcaller

IMG_0985by: Griffin McVeigh10/05/25griffin_mcveigh
Jerry Neuheisel
Jerry Neuheisel makes his debut Saturday as UCLA’s offensive playcaller when the Bruins host seventh-ranked Penn State at the Rose Bowl. (Photo by Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images)

Just a few days ago, Jerry Neuheisel was just a member of the UCLA coaching staff. But before the Bruins faced off against Penn State, he got promoted to play-caller. Interim head coach Tim Skipper let go of offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri, giving Neuheisel an opportunity.

Well, UCLA wound up doing the unthinkable. After a 0-4 start, there is now one in the win column thanks to an upset victory in the Rose Bowl. Neuheisel showed plenty of emotions once the game went final, getting carried off the field by his players.

So did his father, Rick Neuheisel. CBS broadcast the game and the older Neuheisel assumed his normal role of studio analyst. However, once Penn State got stuffed on fourth down, the emotions of a Dad watching his son came out.

Emotions began to show up in the CBS postgame show as well. Neuheisel took off his college football analyst hat with the cameras rolling and put on his Dad one — even apologizing to Penn State supporters. Overall, a great moment for the family entrenched with UCLA throughout the years.

“To Penn State fans, I apologize because my Dad goggles were on, big time, today,” Neuheisel said. “But all of us as parents understand that. Doesn’t matter if it’s football or singing in the choir, what you have you. We’re all so proud of our kids. And when they get a chance to do what they want to do and then they get a stage and you get to watch them have that kind of success, makes it all worth it. My wife is at the game today — she flew in there this morning. Sue, I hope you’re having fun.”

Jerry Neuheisel calls great offensive game, UCLA upsets Penn State

Entering Saturday, UCLA surpassed the 20-point threshold once in four games. Nothing went well for the offense after spending big money this offseason on quarterback Nico Iamaleava. Neuheisel got his chance to shine and delivered.

UCLA put up 27 points by halftime and finished with 42. Iamaleava threw for only 166 yards but put together an efficient 17-for-24 effort. Two passing touchdowns get added with the 128 yards and three rushing scores put up.

A grand total of 269 yards meant Neuheisel put together a masterclass on the ground. Not a number anybody would have thought to be possible heading into this game, especially against a team like Penn State.