UCLA Defeats Hawaii 16-13 in Season Opener

In a dramatic college football opener, UCLA overcame a 10-0 halftime deficit to defeat Hawaii 16-13, with Mateen Bhaghani scoring the game-winning 32-yard field goal with just 56 seconds remaining. Hawaii's Brayden Schager connected on a 19-yard touchdown pass to Pofele Ashlock early in the game, but the Rainbow Warriors were unable to score again offensively after the first half. Despite a strong first half, Hawaii's offense faltered, managing only six first downs and 100 yards in the second half. UCLA's comeback was driven by a robust defense and a pivotal interception by D.J. Justice that helped set up a tying field goal. The game marked UCLA's first victory under new head coach DeShaun Foster and as a member of the Big Ten Conference. This loss left Hawaii still seeking its first win on network television, dropping to 0-8-1 in such games.