WATCH: UCLA TE Jack Pedersen looks ahead to final 2025 home game at Rose Bowl
UCLA tight end Jack Pedersen is among the players on the roster who has played at both the Rose Bowl and SoFi Stadium. As the Bruins prepare to host Washington for the final home game of the 2025 season, there’s the outside possibility that Saturday could be the last time UCLA calls Pasadena home.
Pedersen, who was with the Bruins for their LA Bowl win over Boise State in 2023, said he is aware of the city of Pasadena and Rose Bowl Operating Co.’s lawsuit filed last month that accused UCLA of planning a move to SoFi Stadium.
“I mean, I love the Rose Bowl. Played in it for my four seasons here,” Pedersen said after Tuesday’s practice. “Obviously, they don’t, you know, I’m not a part of those conversations — above my pay grade, right, if we go to SoFi or Rose Bowl, but it’s a great place and great atmosphere. I think a lot of us love it and love playing there.”
It marked the first time anyone from the football program has been asked about the possibility of the move.
The school’s lease with the stadium runs through 2044, and a judge denied the city and stadium’s request for a temporary restraining order last week.
Pedersen reflects on SoFi experience
Ultimately, Pedersen said, a potential move to Inglewood in 2026 does not change his perspective when it comes to stepping on the field and playing a game. As a redshirt junior, he has a year of eligibility remaining if he chooses to return to UCLA.
“I think it is newer. So I think in that sense, maybe, but the field, you know, the fields of field, right?” Pedersen said of SoFi Stadium. “It’s 53-and-a-third by 120 yards, with the end zones too, you know, I mean, so the field’s the field. So I think, you know, wherever we play in the 2026 season and whenever — you know, again, above my pay grade for that decision — I think we’ll just, we’ll love it and keep playing ball and just try and get better every day.”
Still, Pedersen noted the history tied to the Rose Bowl and the sport, and the display of All-Americans who played at UCLA that adorns the home locker room.
The Bruins have been playing home games at the Rose Bowl since 1982.
“It’s a ton of history. It’s a great place,” Pedersen said. “I mean, there’s a reason they do the New Year’s Six game there, too. And you see it packed out with, you know, split in half with two different colors or whatever — respective teams. So, you know, it’s a great place. A lot of legends have played there. So obviously, there’s a lot of history around it.”
TE Jack Pedersen media availability (11/18)
Watch Pedersen’s full press conference, including his thoughts on the Washington defense, and more:
