Oct 4, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Kyron Hudson (1) is tackled by UCLA Bruins linebacker Jonjon Vaughns (6) during the first half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

No. 7 Penn State absolutely had no business losing to a 0-4 UCLA team that fired its head coach last month.

However, the Nittany Lions' 42-37 road loss to the Bruins on Saturday defied even the most pessimistic expectations for how Penn State would play against a winless opponent with an interim coach.

Why Wisconsin's Luke Fickell didn't use his timeouts against Michigan

According to ESPN's Field Yates, the Penn State loss is a historic blunder... the first time a top-10 team has lost to a 0-4 or worse opponent in 40 years. Yes, you read that correctly. It was THAT bad.

North Carolina student interview summed up Bill Belichick's struggles

That is absolutely devastating if you're a Penn State fan. This is one of the worst college football losses in the last 40 years. What in the world happened?!

When does Penn State play again?

The team faces Northwestern at home next Saturday.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why Penn State's UCLA loss is one of college football's worst in 40 years

Reporting by Cory Woodroof, For The Win / For The Win

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect