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Indiana Football Game Preview: UCLA – key question, injury report, how to watch

6I5A5606by: Drew Rosenberg20 hours agodrew_rosenberg2
Syndication: The Herald-Times
Indiana Head Coach Curt Cignetti watches his defendse on a fourth down play during the Indiana versus Michigan State football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. © Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Indiana football is looking to continue their perfect start when they host UCLA this weekend on FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff.

The No. 2 Hoosiers are coming off a 38-13 win over Michigan State, but face a UCLA team that has been playing very well as of late.

UCLA is 3-4 but has won their last three games against Penn State, Michigan State, and Maryland. Interim head coach Tim Skipper is 3-1 since taking over for DeShaun Foster and has rejuvenated the program.

The Bruins, who started 0-3, could make the Big Ten race very interesting if they are able to knock off the Hoosiers in Bloomington.

Below is the full preview ahead of Saturday’s week nine game.

Opposing Q&A: UCLA head coach Tim Skipper previews Week 9 clash with Indiana

Key Question

Who steps up with Kellan Wyatt out?

Wyatt quickly made his presence felt for the Indiana defense after transferring from Maryland in the spring.

He established himself as a difference maker with 8.0 tackles for loss, 27 total tackles, and 2.5 sacks, but after an injury, the Hoosiers will be looking to replace his production.

Indiana’s depth up front has been one of the team’s bigger strengths, and it will be tested with the loss of a key contributor.

Kent State transfer Stephen Daley has been an impact player on the defensive line, and his role could grow with Wyatt out.

RELATED: From Derrick Henry comparisons to defensive dominance, Stephen Daley’s moment has arrived at Indiana

Daley already has 3.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss on the season and is coming off his best performance of the season against Michigan State. Daley had 2.0 sacks and 2.0 tackles for loss in the game.

If Daley can continue to be a difference maker on the defensive line moving forward, it will go a long way in replacing what Indiana lost with Wyatt’s injury.

He’ll get his first chance to make his presence felt when he plays a UCLA team that has allowed 16 sacks on the season.

Coach Q&A: Curt Cignetti speaks ahead of Week 9 clash with UCLA

Matchup History

Indiana and UCLA have only one previous meeting in football and it came last season.

The Hoosiers went into Los Angeles and cruised to a 42-13 win over the Bruins. Kurtis Rourke threw four touchdowns in that game including one to Omar Cooper Jr.

On3+: Early Look: Meet Indiana’s Week 9 opponent, UCLA

Injury Report

Indiana pass rusher Kellan Wyatt to be sidelined after suffering injury vs Michigan State.

Running back Lee Beebe suffered a knee injury in week three and will miss the rest of the 2025 season.

Redshirt-senior safety Bryson Bonds is out for the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury in week one.

Game Week Q&A: Omar Cooper Jr., Carter Smith, Stephen Daley preview Week 9 clash with UCLA

Quick Hitters

Who?  UCLA 3-4 (3-1) vs #2 Indiana 7-0 (4-0)

When?  Saturday, Oct. 18 | 12:00 p.m. ET

Where?  Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium (Bloomington, Ind.)

TV: FOX

Radio:  Indiana Hoosiers Sports Network

Spread:  Indiana -25.5 per BetMGM

Over/Under: 54.5 per BetMGM

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