ATLANTA (Oct. 6, 2025) - Officials from the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Peach Bowl, Inc. today announced that UCLA head football coach Tim Skipper has been selected as The Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week Presented by PNC Bank.

The Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week award honors a football coach who led his team to a significant victory during the previous week, while also embodying the award's three pillars of scholarship, leadership and integrity.

In his first game as the interim head coach, Skipper earned this week's honor after guiding UCLA to a 42-37 upset victory over No. 7 Penn State on Saturday at the Rose Bowl. The win marked the Bruins' first triumph over an AP top-10 opponent since 2010 when UCLA defeated No. 7 Texas on the road. UCLA also became the first 0-4 or worse team to beat a top-10 team in 40 years after the UTEP Miners defeated the No. 7 BYU Cougars in 1985.

UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava was responsible for all five of UCLA's touchdowns, completing 16-of-24 passes for 166 yards and two scores, while rushing for a team-high 128 yards and three touchdowns – tying the most ever by a UCLA quarterback.

With the game on the line and Penn State threatening deep in UCLA territory in the final minute, linebacker Scooter Jackson came up with a game-sealing tackle-for-loss to preserve the victory. The defensive stop capped a resilient team effort that included standout contributions from Kwazi Gilmer, who brought in five receptions for 79 yards and one touchdown, and a balanced ground game led by running backs Jaivian Thomas and Anthony Woods.

"Coach Skipper and the Bruins demonstrated tremendous grit and focus in a statement win over a top-10 opponent," said Chairman of the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation Jim Terry. "To rally his team under new leadership and deliver a victory of this magnitude speaks volumes about his preparation, leadership and character."
Skipper, who stepped into the interim role earlier this season, quickly instilled a mindset built on toughness and accountability. His emphasis on controlling the line of scrimmage was evident throughout Saturday's contest, as UCLA outplayed Penn State up front and dictated the entire game's tempo.

The mindset and culture that Skipper has brought to his team perfectly fit the longstanding culture present in UCLA's football program as the Bruins posted a 972 Academic Progress Rate and a 64 Graduation Success Rate last season.

Beyond the field, UCLA continues to make a profound impact through its Athletics Community Relations program, which fosters mentorship and motivation in youth across Southern California. Through initiatives such as "I'm Going to College," "Athletics for Youth," "Bruin School Days" and "Youth Football Day," the Bruins use the power of sports to inspire the next generation of students to pursue higher education and personal growth. These programs invite thousands of children each year to experience the UCLA campus, interact with student-athletes and coaches, and learn lessons about teamwork, leadership and perseverance.

"Coach Skipper stepped into a challenging situation and delivered what could be one of the most memorable wins of this college football season to date," said Gary Stokan, Peach Bowl, Inc. CEO and president. "His ability to pull off a stunning upset as a 24-point underdog right after taking over the program is a testament to his character and the type of leadership this award stands for."

The Dodd Trophy Presented by PNC Bank – along with the Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week Award – celebrates the head coach of a FBS team who enjoys success on the gridiron, while also stressing the importance of scholarship, leadership and integrity. Now celebrating its 50th anniversary this season, the award was established to honor the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division 1A) head football coach whose program represents the highest ideals on and off the field.

A panel consisting of all previous winners, national media, a member of the Dodd family and a College Football Hall of Fame member will identify the final list of potential recipients at the conclusion of the 2025 season. The winner of the 2025 Dodd Trophy Presented by PNC Bank will be announced in Atlanta during the week of the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.