The CBS analyst was sky high after the Bruins victory.
Rick Neuheisel's reaction to son's first win as UCLA's offensive coordinator goes viral originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Jerry Neuheisel took in the moment on Saturday, still trying to process it all. Winless no more, UCLA shocked No. 7 Penn State 42–37 at the Rose Bowl, ripping off five straight scoring drives to start the game and finishing a night few could have imagined.
The scene was raw and real. Just 96 hours earlier, the 33-year-old son of former Bruins coach Rick Neuheisel learned he would be taking over play-calling duties as interim offensive coordinator. But he was ready for his biggest audition.
“I love UCLA more than anything,” said Neuheisel. “The kind of kids that played on that field today is exactly why you love this place. We had two days to practice the new game plan, and all they did was believe.”
When the final seconds ticked off, Neuheisel erupted in celebration. The surreal upset was shared with the Bruins players who lifted him toward the sky and his wife, Nicole, who was scooped up by Jerry as he heard his name chanted in the Rose Bowl. “It’s a great day to be alive and be a Bruin!" he added.
This is just awesome.
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) October 4, 2025
Rick Neuheisel reacts to the final play of UCLA's win, with his son calling the plays for the Bruins. pic.twitter.com/ukWnYhNQUo
The celebration for the Neuheisel family wasn't limited to Pasadena. Rick Neuheisel was overcome with emotions watching everything unfold in CBS Sports' studio. He jumped in excitement and yelled “Get him down! Yeah!” as the final tackle sealed the victory. “A masterful job of changing attitude literally overnight,” he said of his son.
What a whirlwind turn of events for UCLA. DeShaun Foster gets fired with Tim Skipper taking the interim head coaching position, which led to Tino Sunseri getting axed as well. This was clearly the right change to be made as the Bruins made history on Saturday. No 0-4 team has knocked off a top ten program over the past 40 years.
MORE: Why fans didn't storm the Rose Bowl after UCLA's historic win
How good was Jerry Neuheisel's decision making for the Bruins? The team scored on all six red-zone trips. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava threw for 166 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 128 yards and three scores. The first time any FBS passer has accomplished that feat in 30 years.
UCLA’s new play-caller was cool and collected under pressure. If the winning ways continue in Westwood, Neuheisel deserves the full-time position. For a program that can't afford another coaching setback or mistake, the next round of permanent hires will be critical to the future for the Bruins.
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Category: General Sports
