HOUSTON, Oct. 7, 2025 — UCLA interim head football coach Tim Skipper has been named Paul “Bear” Bryant National Coach of the Week following the Bruins’ 42-37 upset win over No. 7 Penn State on Saturday.
Skipper was elevated to interim head coach on September 14, 2026, and after a narrow setback last week against Northwestern, led UCLA to a signature win in his second game leading the program. A 25-year coaching veteran, Skipper served as Fresno State’s interim head coach in the 2024 season.
The win was UCLA’s first over an AP top-10 opponent since a win over then-No. 7 Texas in Austin on September 24, 2010, and was UCLA’s first top-10 win at home since defeating then-No. 9 Oregon in 2007.
The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, presents the Bear Bryant Awards annually to celebrate excellence in coaching, to honor Coach Bryant’s legacy and to raise awareness and critical funds for its mission. The coaching legend died from a heart attack in 1983, just 28 days after his final victory and retirement.
Nico Iamaleava led the way for UCLA not only through the air but on the ground, completing 16 of 24 passes for 166 yards and two scores but also rushing for 128 yards and three scores on 13 carries. The signal-caller was responsible for all five of UCLA’s touchdowns in the winning effort.
Iamaleava connected with Kwazi Gilmer on an 11-yard touchdown strike in the first quarter and UCLA never looked back, opening a 27-7 lead in the second quarter. Penn State was able to narrow its deficit to five on a safety with 17 seconds remaining.
The Bruins’ win marked the first time since 1985 that an 0-4 (or worse) team defeated a top-10 opponent. UTEP, with an 0-6 record, defeated No. 7 BYU in that 1985 contest.
Skipper’s honor makes him the first coach from the Big Ten to capture weekly honors this season. He follows the selections of Virginia’s Tony Elliott, Syracuse’s Fran Brown, Texas A&M’s Mike Elko, USF’s Alex Golesh and Florida State’s Mike Norvell.
Continuing through the remainder of the regular season, the Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards will recognize a coach weekly for leading their team to an exceptional victory. The National Coach of the Week award is chosen by a committee of national college football media members.
Fans can follow the lead up to January’s 40th annual Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards Ceremony at facebook.com/bryantawards, x.com/bryantawards or Instagram.com/bryantawards or the hashtag #BryantAwards. To attend the exclusive, VIP experience visit bryantawards.org.
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