Junior kicker Mateen Bhaghani has been named the Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week after his performance in UCLA’s 20-17 victory over Maryland at the Rose Bowl. Bhaghani made two field goals and two extra points, including a decisive 23-yard field goal with two seconds left to secure the win. Following this kick, he placed a kickoff at the 8-yard line, which resulted in no return as time expired.
Earlier in the fourth quarter, Bhaghani converted a 42-yard field goal that gave UCLA a temporary 17-10 lead. So far this season, he has made 12 out of 15 field goal attempts and is perfect on extra points with 15 successful tries.
This is Bhaghani’s second time receiving the Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week honor. He was previously recognized after making three field goals—including a late game-winner—in UCLA’s 16-13 win against Hawai’i on August 31, 2024.
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava also received a weekly award from the Big Ten Conference earlier this season as Offensive Player of the Week for leading UCLA to victory over then-No. 7 Penn State on October 4.
UCLA, currently on a three-game winning streak, will play its next game against No. 2 Indiana (7-0, 4-0 Big Ten) in Bloomington. The matchup will be featured during FOX’s “Big Noon” coverage with kickoff set for 9 a.m. PT (12 p.m. ET) at Memorial Stadium.
Tickets for home games at the Rose Bowl are available through various packages including season tickets and single-game options. Fans can contact UCLA Athletics Sales and Service by phone or email for more information about ticketing options.
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