Indiana Hoosiers Football vs UCLA Bruins Football Match Player Stats and Recent Series History

The transition of the UCLA Bruins into the Big Ten Conference brought about several high-profile matchups, but few have been as statistically one-sided as their recent encounters with the Indiana Hoosiers. Since the expansion of the conference, Indiana has established a clear upper hand through efficient quarterback play and a high-pressure defensive scheme. Analyzing the player statistics from the 2024 and 2025 meetings reveals a significant gap in execution and physical output between the two programs.

2025 Breakdown: Indiana Dominance in Bloomington

The most recent meeting saw the No. 2 ranked Indiana Hoosiers host the UCLA Bruins at Memorial Stadium, resulting in a 56-6 victory for the home side. The player statistics from this matchup highlight a specialized offensive efficiency that UCLA struggled to contain throughout four quarters.

Passing and Receiving Performance

Indiana's offensive rhythm was dictated by Fernando Mendoza, who displayed remarkable efficiency. Mendoza finished the game completing 15 of 22 pass attempts for 168 yards. While the total yardage might seem modest, his scoring impact was significant, accounting for three passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. This performance continued a trend of Indiana quarterbacks maximizing red zone opportunities against the Bruins' secondary.

On the receiving end, E.J. Williams Jr. emerged as the primary threat. His stats for the afternoon included:

• Receptions: 5
• Receiving Yards: 109
• Touchdowns: 2
• Average per Catch: 21.8 yards

For UCLA, the passing game faced immense pressure. Nico Iamaleava completed 13 of 27 passes for 113 yards. The statistical narrative for Iamaleava was marred by an early interception that was returned for a touchdown, setting a defensive tone that UCLA could not recover from. Rico Flores Jr. provided the only consistent outlet for the Bruins, tallying 50 yards on 4 receptions.

Rushing Totals

The ground game statistics further illustrated the physical disparity. Indiana’s Roman Hemby led all rushers with 81 yards on 17 carries, consistently moving the chains and allowing Indiana to control the time of possession. UCLA's rushing attack was largely stifled; Anthony Frias II was the leading rusher for the Bruins but was limited to just 31 yards on six carries.

Defensive and Special Teams Impact

Defensively, Indiana's statistics were highlighted by opportunistic plays. Aiden Fisher recorded a pivotal interception return for a touchdown in the first quarter. This defensive unit also recorded multiple pass breakups at the line of scrimmage, with Keanu Williams being credited for disrupting the flow of the UCLA offense.

UCLA’s defense did manage two interceptions by Scooter Jackson and Key Lawrence, but these turnovers were not capitalized on by the offense. In special teams, Mateen Bhaghani remained a reliable asset for UCLA, converting field goals of 44 and 30 yards, accounting for all of the Bruins' points in the contest.

2024 Analysis: The Rose Bowl Statement

The 2024 meeting in Pasadena was a landmark game, serving as UCLA's official Big Ten debut. Indiana's 42-13 victory was a statistical masterclass in third-down efficiency and turnover margin.

Quarterback Comparison: Rourke vs. Garbers

Kurtis Rourke delivered one of the most efficient passing performances in recent Indiana history during this matchup. His final stats were:

• Completions/Attempts: 25/33
• Passing Yards: 307
• Touchdowns: 4
• Interceptions: 0
• Third-Down Efficiency: 9-of-9 for 128 yards

In contrast, UCLA's Ethan Garbers struggled with ball security. While he completed 14 of 23 passes for 137 yards, he was responsible for two critical turnovers—a fumble on the opening drive and a fourth-quarter interception. These statistical lapses gave Indiana short fields, which the Hoosiers exploited consistently.

Receiving Depth

Indiana utilized a wide array of targets in 2024, with six different players recording at least three receptions. The statistical leaders included:

• Miles Cross: 6 receptions, 90 yards, 1 touchdown. His 33-yard one-handed catch was a statistical highlight that led to a scoring drive.
• Omar Cooper Jr.: 4 receptions, 58 yards, 1 touchdown.
• Ke’shawn Williams: 3 receptions, 31 yards, 2 touchdowns.
• Elijah Sarratt: 4 receptions, 54 yards.

UCLA’s T.J. Harden was a dual-threat in this game, leading the Bruins with 48 rushing yards and a touchdown, while also recording 4 receptions for 41 yards. However, the lack of explosive plays in the passing game prevented UCLA from keeping pace with Indiana's scoring volume.

Rushing and Red Zone Efficiency

Indiana’s ground game in 2024 was a committee effort that focused on high-percentage situations. Justice Ellison and Elijah Green both recorded rushing touchdowns. Indiana was a perfect 5-for-5 in red zone opportunities, a statistical reality that reflected their superior execution in tight spaces. Total yardage favored Indiana significantly, 430 to 238.

Comparing Key Statistical Categories

When looking at the two-game sample size between 2024 and 2025, several statistical trends become apparent regarding the Indiana Hoosiers football vs UCLA Bruins football match player stats.

Third-Down Conversion Rates

A major differentiator in these games has been the ability to stay on the field. In the 2024 game, Indiana converted 9 of 12 third-down attempts (75%). UCLA, by comparison, struggled significantly, converting only 2 of 8 attempts in that same game. This 50% gap in conversion efficiency explains the large discrepancy in total plays and time of possession.

Turnover Margin

Turnovers have heavily favored Indiana. Across the 2024 and 2025 games, Indiana forced six turnovers while committing very few of their own. In the 2025 game, the early pick-six by Aiden Fisher statistically lowered UCLA's win probability by over 20% within the first five minutes of play. Ball security has been a consistent issue for UCLA quarterbacks when facing the Indiana defensive front.

Penalty Yards and Discipline

Interestingly, discipline has been an area where the statistics do not necessarily favor the winner. In the 2024 game, Indiana was penalized 14 times for 127 yards. Despite these self-inflicted wounds, their offensive efficiency was so high that they were able to overcome the lost yardage. UCLA has generally been more disciplined in terms of penalty count, but has been unable to translate that into scoring drives.

Defensive Leader Spotlight

From a statistical standpoint, certain defensive players have consistently stood out in this head-to-head matchup.

Aiden Fisher (Linebacker, Indiana)

Fisher has been a statistical powerhouse against the Bruins.

• 2024: 9 tackles (4 solo), leading the team.
• 2025: 1 interception (returned for TD), multiple tackles for loss.

His ability to diagnose UCLA’s run schemes has limited their primary backs, T.J. Harden and Anthony Frias II, to under 4 yards per carry on average across both contests.

Mikail Kamara (Defensive Line, Indiana)

Kamara's impact is often found in the "pressure" stats rather than just the tackle column. In 2024, his fumble recovery on the opening drive was the catalyst for the Indiana rout. His presence in the backfield has consistently forced UCLA quarterbacks into hurried throws, contributing to the high interception rates observed in these matchups.

Amare Ferrell (Defensive Back, Indiana)

Ferrell recorded a sack and an interception in the 2024 game. His statistical profile suggests a versatile defender capable of playing both in the box and in deep coverage, making it difficult for UCLA to find consistent passing lanes over the middle of the field.

Historical Context of Player Performance

To understand these stats, one must look at the historical trajectory of the programs. Indiana's 2024 performance marked their first 3-0 start under a new coaching tenure that prioritized transfer portal talent, such as Kurtis Rourke and several wide receivers. These players brought veteran stats from other conferences that translated immediately to Big Ten success.

UCLA, meanwhile, has been in a period of statistical recalibration. The transition from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten has seen a dip in their offensive production, particularly in yards per play. In the 2024 Rose Bowl game, the Bruins averaged only 4.4 yards per pass attempt, a figure that is statistically difficult to win with in modern college football.

Summary of Key Player Stats (2024-2025)

Note: Miles Cross was an Indiana receiver in 2024.

Strategic Implications of the Data

The data suggests that Indiana’s success against UCLA is built on a foundation of high-completion passing and aggressive defensive play-calling. The Hoosiers have consistently exploited UCLA’s defensive secondary through medium-range passing routes, as evidenced by the high number of receivers with 3+ catches in each game.

UCLA's path to statistical improvement against the Hoosiers likely involves better protection for the quarterback and a more diversified rushing attack. When the Bruins have been able to get T.J. Harden involved in the passing game, they have seen marginal improvements in move-the-chain situations, but the lack of a vertical threat has allowed Indiana's linebackers to play closer to the line of scrimmage, stifling the run.

As the series continues in the expanded Big Ten, these player statistics serve as a benchmark for both programs. Indiana looks to maintain its efficiency metrics, while UCLA seeks to find a statistical identity that can compete with the physical demands of their new conference rivals.