UCLA steadies under interim Tim Skipper

Interim coach Tim Skipper has steadied UCLA through a rollercoaster season that began 0-3 and saw both coordinators depart, yet no one left during the transfer window. Players praise his player-first touch—listening and adjusting practices—as the Bruins sit 3-8 (3-5 Big Ten) before No. 19 USC. With vacancies opening, his candidacy for a permanent job is rising internally. Practice notes: QB Nico Iamaleava dressed but did not throw; WR Rico Flores Jr. and RB Jaivian Thomas practiced; TEs Hudson Habermehl and Jack Pedersen sat (Habermehl’s career would end if he misses USC); DB Rodrick Pleasant is out for the season.