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This is How Much UCLA Paid New Mexico to Beat Them
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- This is How Much UCLA Paid New Mexico to Beat Them
UCLA and head coach DeShaun Foster have been a train wreck in 2025 so far after a 0-3 start.
The Bruins lost 35-10 on Friday to New Mexico and never had a lead against the Lobos in the game. UCLA came into the contest as a 15.5-point favorite via FanDuel Sportsbook .
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The game was relatively close into the third quarter, with New Mexico up 14-10. However, a 21-point fourth quarter from the Lobos sealed their first win against a Power Conference program since 2008 vs. Arizona.
New Mexico had lost their last 22 games against Power 4 teams before Friday.
After the dust had settled, On3's Brett McMurphy revealed that the Bruins paid the Lobos $1.2 million to play them.
UCLA Bruins head coach DeShaun FosterGary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
UCLA made headlines in the offseason after bringing in Tennessee transfer quarterback Nico Iamaleava. Iamaleava transferred from the Volunteers after spending 2023-24 in Knoxville.
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Iamaleava was a former five-star quarterback and the No. 3 player at his position in the 2023 class. He was the No. 2 quarterback in the Rivals Transfer Portal Industry Rankings.
He threw for 2,930 passing yards, 21 touchdowns and five interceptions. Through three games with UCLA, he has thrown for 608 passing yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions.
The Tennessee exit stemmed from an NIL dispute when the quarterback requested a new deal, aiming for $4 million per year. His initial deal with the Volunteers was for four years and was worth $8 million.
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Iamaleava's reported NIL deal with UCLA was around $1.2 million, via On3's Pete Nakos .
UCLA opened the 2025 season with a 43-10 loss to Utah, and followed that up by losing 30-23 to UNLV and first-year head coach Dan Mullen. Friday's loss means that Foster is now 5-10 in his two seasons in Pasadena.
If the Bruins wish to move on from Foster, his buyout is $5.27 million, and drops to $3.35 million if they wait until next year, according to McMurphy.
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UCLA has a bye week to think about its most recent loss before facing Northwestern on Sept. 27.
Related: Deion Sanders' Concerning Comment on Colorado's Quarterback Situation
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Sep 13, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
