This post was updated May 1 at 11:32 p.m.
Most coaches don’t chase after a losing record in their first season at the helm.
But for second-year head honcho DeShaun Foster, success may already be sprouting from the growing pains of his 5-7 introductory season.
Five members of UCLA football’s 2024 roster heard their names called in the 2025 NFL Draft – the most since 2022 and the largest crop of Bruin defenders to enter the league in eight years.
Linebackers Carson Schwesinger, Oluwafemi Oladejo and Kain Medrano, as well as defensive lineman Jay Toia and tight end Moliki Matavao, were the bunch to snatch a spot on an NFL team, while quarterback Ethan Garbers, linebacker Ale Kaho and tight end Bryce Pierre signed as undrafted free agents. Though he went unsigned, defensive back Devin Kirkwood earned a training camp invite Monday morning.
Before Tuesday’s practice at Spaulding Field, Foster said UCLA’s draft success is a testament to the program’s mentorship of local athletes, adding that the Bruins produced the largest draft class among California universities.
“None of those guys were five stars,” Foster said. “We’re coming over here and developing guys and getting them ready to play at the next level.”
Schwesinger’s breakthrough in Westwood was a product of that process.
After walking on to the team his freshman year, the linebacker earned a consistent starting nod in 2024 – recording Big Ten-leading figures with 136 tackles and 90 solo tackles alongside four sacks. The Cleveland Browns snagged Schwesinger with the 33rd overall, the first pick in the second round.
“(Schwesinger is) pretty special,” Medrano said. “I couldn’t have asked to play next to anybody else but Carson this entire year.”
His linebacker colleague, Oladejo, told A to Z Sports Film Room that Schwesinger’s success is amplified by a positive attitude and grit, adding that he was routinely the last to leave the weight room after each practice.
Oladejo’s draft stock soared after a two-sack showing at the Senior Bowl on Feb. 1, propelling him to a mid-second round pick, where the Tennessee Titans grabbed the Elk Grove, California, local with the 52nd overall pick.
Foster said UCLA’s success at the draft sparked optimism in his locker room, proving to current players that playing professionally is within reach.
The coach added that sophomore wide receiver Rico Flores Jr. was especially moved by Oladejo’s achievement, as they both grew up in Sacramento County. Flores said seeing someone from a similar background get drafted made the ultimate dream feel achievable.
Garbers, UCLA’s starting signal-caller in 2024, also landed on a preliminary NFL roster as an undrafted free agent. After notching 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in his final season with the Bruins, Garbers signed with the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, joining as the team’s fourth rostered quarterback.
“The No. 1 lesson that I’ve learned throughout my whole tenure at UCLA is discipline,” Garbers said. “It kind of sets you up for life, because in life, you’ve got to be disciplined as well in everything that you do.”
The post-Garbers quarterback carousel
But with UCLA’s field general off to the league, the Bruins have been forced to navigate the ripple effects of finding his replacement.
Since quarterback Nico Iamaleava committed to UCLA on April 20 – a move that likely triggered the departure of Joey Aguilar and the expected arrival of younger brother Madden Iamaleava – Foster’s quarterback room has been somewhat of a revolving door.
[Related: Fresh starts: Joey Aguilar leaves, Madden Iamaleava returns to quarterback line]
Incoming freshman Robert McDaniel and redshirt freshman Dermaricus Davis joined the fray this past week, as both quarterbacks entered the portal Friday.
McDaniel, a three-star recruit according to ESPN and 247sports, flipped his commitment last-minute to UCLA in December after initially committing to Arizona. Davis would join his third team in two years as he enters his sophomore season. The former four-star recruit transferred from Washington last spring and has yet to see NCAA action.
And after weeks of significant turnover, only four quarterbacks practiced Tuesday morning.
“The numbers might be a little thin right now, but the young guys are getting reps against quality offensive linemen,” Foster said. “We’ll be able to see if they actually can contribute and help us out during the season.”
With the Iamaleava brothers expected to arrive in Westwood after completing their academic year requirements at their respective schools, UCLA’s final spring practices provide an opportunity to test its depth under center. Tuesday’s practice focused heavily on individual reps, with passing drills designed to allow each player to showcase their development.
Foster said even with big names joining the program, he doesn’t want anyone to be a shoo-in for a starting role. Instead, he hopes the arrival of big-time players will elevate the team’s competitive atmosphere.
The coach added that players like Luke Duncan – who has yet to see game action – are benefiting from increased opportunities to improve, which are key to Foster’s long-term vision for the program.
“It’s a lot of noise, so he has to get out there, focus and play,” Foster said. “I kind of like that because it’s getting similar to games for him. You can be in a hostile environment that you’ve got to be able to perform in.”
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