Who are the Announcers for Utah vs UCLA Week 1 College Football Game

College football’s 2025 season ramps up with a Big Ten-Big 12 clash as UCLA hosts Utah at the Rose Bowl. Both teams enter with revamped rosters after 5-7 finishes last year, eager to kick off strong in their new conferences. Announcers capture every twist in this split-second sport, turning key moments into lasting memories for fans.

This Week 1 matchup holds big implications; UCLA seeks momentum under DeShaun Foster in year two, while Utah aims to reclaim form with Kyle Whittingham’s defense leading the way. Their rivalry dates back to 1933, with UCLA holding a 12-9 edge. Just before this game, YouTube TV struck a deal with Fox to carry the broadcast, ensuring fans didn’t miss out amid carriage disputes. So, who’s calling the action from the booth?

Meet the broadcast team: Connor Onion and Mark Helfrich

Connor Onion does play-by-play on FOX, delivering crisp calls that match the game’s pace. A Ball State grad, he earned top honors like seventh in STAA’s 2015 All-American program and Television Anchor of the Year from the Indiana Association of School Broadcasters. His experience spans college football and other sports, bringing sharp timing and energy that help viewers feel the intensity.

Mark Helfrich joins as a color commentator, offering insights from his coaching days. The former Oregon head coach from 2013 to 2016, he led the Ducks to a Rose Bowl win and later served as the Bears’ offensive coordinator. Now in broadcasting since 2017, Helfrich breaks down schemes with authority, drawing from his quarterback development expertise.

A win here boosts UCLA‘s confidence in the Big Ten, where they face a tough slate after adding transfers like quarterback Nico Iamaleava from Tennessee. Utah needs it to spark its Big 12 run, leaning on a defense ranked fourth in success rate last season. Whittingham highlighted the opener’s challenges: “Like any opener, there are a lot of unknowns. Even when you’re playing a team that has had very little turnover, there’s still a lot of unknowns and things that you’re going to have to adjust for in-game.” This stems from his Monday presser, where he stressed quick adaptations after Utah’s injury-plagued 2024, noting 50% new faces this year to rebuild depth. Helfrich’s analyst role fits perfectly, given his Pac-12 roots coaching against both squads.

Foster echoed preparation vibes. “I just think that they’re ready for another opponent. It’s been a long road, just going against each other, and, you know, tempers are getting [high].” From his Tuesday media session, this reflects UCLA’s camp intensity, with 57 newcomers for 2025 pushing for cohesion amid the Big Ten transition. A strong start could propel recruiting and morale for the Bruins. With the voices set to guide the narrative, let’s shift to how experts see this one playing out.

Game outlook: picks and odds

Analysts favor Utah but expect a tight battle. “Utah’s upgrade at quarterback with Dampier, supported by a strong offensive line and continuity with offensive coordinator Jason Beck, contrasts with UCLA’s uncertainties at every position, including quarterback Iamaleava’s struggles and lack of reliable receivers due to injuries.” This analysis highlights Utah’s edge, with Dampier’s 2,768 passing yards last year at New Mexico, while noting UCLA’s receiver injuries as a key vulnerability.

Odds show Utah -5.5 (-108), over/under 51.5, and UCLA team total at 23.5. “The game is expected to be close and low-scoring due to both teams’ offensive uncertainties in the season opener, with Utah’s defense under Kyle Whittingham noted as strong.” Backed by UCLA’s 6-5-1 ATS record in 2024 versus Utah’s 4-7, this suggests value in the under, given defensive strengths like Utah’s 15th in havoc creation.

Picks vary, with one seeing UCLA 25-19. “UCLA has an upgrade at quarterback with Nico Iamaleava, who has more upside than previous quarterbacks in 2023 and 2024, aiming to reach the 2022 level under Dorian Thompson-Robinson, but may lack support from offensive teammates in the first game.”  This counters Utah’s implied 28-22 win, factoring UCLA’s home edge at the Rose Bowl and turnover stats, UCLA forced 13 last year, Utah 18, pointing to a defensive grind.