Maryland Terrapins vs UCLA Bruins Prediction and Picks - October 18, 2025
Use Code SSWC Saturday evening, Big 10 play on the College gridiron, and we have a Maryland vs UCLA Prediction ready to roll. Maryland comes in off a tough 34-31 home loss to Nebraska to fall to 4-2 on the year. The Brions are now 2-4 on the year after a 38-13 destruction of Michigan State on the road. Read on to see our Maryland vs UCLA prediction.
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A Tough Home Loss To Nebraska
Maryland arrives in Pasadena looking to snap a two-game skid after narrow losses to Washington and Nebraska. Quarterback Malik Washington has been the engine of the offense, throwing for 1,506 yards, 10 touchdowns, and just 2 interceptions, while adding 45 rushing yards and 3 scores on the ground. He’s completing 62.3% of his passes and averaging 251.0 yards per game, with a midrange passing attack that’s leaned heavily on Shaleak Knotts (367 yards, 5 TDs) and Octavian Smith Jr. (359 yards). The Terrapins average 30.2 points per game, but their run game has been inconsistent, producing just 99.3 yards per game on 3.5 yards per carry.
Offensively, Maryland ranks 97th in total yardage but has been efficient in the red zone, scoring on 82.4% of trips. The team converts 31.6% of third downs and has committed just 3 turnovers, tied for sixth-best nationally. Running back DeJuan Williams leads the ground game with 245 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Nolan Ray adds 188 yards and 2 scores. Tight ends Dorian Fleming and AJ Szymanski have combined for 213 yards and 3 touchdowns, giving Washington reliable options in short-yardage situations. Maryland’s biggest challenge has been sustaining drives, ranking 124th in time of possession, and they’ll need to control tempo to keep UCLA’s offense off the field.
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Defensively, Maryland has been quietly strong, allowing just 16.8 points per game and 340.8 total yards, ranking top-20 nationally in scoring defense. The run defense has been stout, giving up only 112.8 yards per game, while the secondary allows 228.0 passing yards. Linebacker Daniel Wingate leads the team with 54 tackles, while Zahir Mathis has recorded 4.5 sacks and 5.0 TFLs. The Terrapins have forced 13 turnovers, including 12 interceptions, and rank first nationally in turnover margin at +10. If the defense can pressure Nico Iamaleava and capitalize on UCLA’s protection issues, Maryland has the tools to flip field position and control the game.
Bruins Crush Michigan State On The Road
UCLA returns home riding a wave of momentum after back-to-back wins over Penn State and Michigan State, a stunning turnaround for a team that started 0–4 and hadn’t led a single second through September. Interim head coach Tim Skipper has stabilized the locker room and simplified the offense, allowing quarterback Nico Iamaleava to thrive. Iamaleava has thrown for 1,134 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions, while rushing for 335 yards and 4 scores. He’s completing 66.3% of his passes and leads the team in both passing and rushing, giving UCLA a true dual-threat centerpiece.
Offensively, the Bruins average 356.3 total yards and 22.8 points per game, ranking 95th and 103rd nationally, respectively. The run game has come alive behind Jaivian Thomas (219 yards, 1 TD) and Jalen Berger (167 yards, 1 TD), while wideouts Kwazi Gilmer (313 yards, 2 TDs) and Titus Mokiao-Atimalala (138 yards, 3 TDs) provide vertical threats. UCLA converts 39.7% of third downs and ranks 17th nationally in red zone scoring, converting 95.0% of trips. The offensive line has improved dramatically, allowing zero turnovers in the last three games after giving up four in the first three. If the Bruins continue to protect Iamaleava and limit penalties, they’ll be tough to slow down.
Defensively, UCLA remains a work in progress. The Bruins allow 29.2 points per game and 369.5 total yards, including 195.8 rushing yards—ranking 124th nationally. The secondary has been more reliable, giving up 173.7 passing yards, but the unit has forced just 4 turnovers and recorded 6 sacks. Linebackers JonJon Vaughns and Isaiah Chisom have combined for 112 tackles, while defensive backs Key Lawrence and Cole Martin have contributed 63 tackles and 4 TFLs. UCLA ranks last in the FBS in third-down defense and has struggled to get off the field. Against a Maryland team that thrives on takeaways and short fields, the Bruins will need to tighten up and avoid early breakdowns.
Maryland vs UCLA Pick
Maryland vs UCLA Spread Pick
- UCLA -2.5 (5 Units)
UCLA -2.5 is a sharp play in a matchup where momentum, quarterback play, and home-field advantage all tilt toward the Bruins. Nico Iamaleava has accounted for 13 total touchdowns and leads UCLA in both passing and rushing, giving the offense a dual-threat identity that Maryland has struggled to contain. The Terrapins allow 228.0 passing yards per game and rank 124th in time of possession, which could leave their defense gassed against UCLA’s uptempo attack. With back-to-back wins over Penn State and Michigan State, the Bruins are trending upward and playing with renewed confidence.
Defensively, UCLA has issues, but Maryland’s run game hasn’t shown the consistency to exploit them. The Terrapins average just 99.3 rushing yards per game and convert 31.6% of third downs, which ranks bottom-20 nationally. Malik Washington has been efficient, but UCLA’s secondary allows only 173.7 passing yards per game, and the Bruins have tightened up in the red zone, converting 95.0% of their own trips while limiting opponents to field goals. If UCLA protects Iamaleava and avoids early turnovers, they’re well-positioned to cover and extend their win streak.
Maryland vs UCLA Over/Under Pick
- Over 52 (4 Units)
Over 52 is in play with two offenses capable of explosive drives and defenses that have struggled to get off the field. Maryland averages 30.2 points per game, and UCLA has scored 30+ in two straight, with Iamaleava leading a rejuvenated attack. Both teams rank top-20 in red zone scoring and have playmakers at wide receiver who can stretch the field. With Maryland forcing 13 turnovers and UCLA playing fast and loose, this game has shootout potential, especially if early possessions turn into quick scores.
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