UCLA Football: Expert Takes Stock Of Bruins' Options At QB

The UCLA Bruins are gearing up for a transformative year in 2024, marked by significant changes to their roster. The transfer portal has claimed several players; some have ventured into the draft, and a promising crop of freshmen from across the country is set to join the squad. Oh, and the Bruins will be making the move to the Big Ten conference. 

While much is in flux, one constant remains—the presence of quarterback Ethan Garbers. Despite not holding the starting position for the entirety of the 2023 season, Garbers began and concluded the season as the starting quarterback. Head coach Chip Kelly navigated a quarterback carousel throughout 2023, featuring Garbers, freshman Dante Moore, and redshirt junior Collin Schlee. The fluidity at the quarterback position may persist into 2024.

With no clear frontrunner for the quarterback spot in the upcoming season, UCLA insider James H. Williams speculates that Chip Kelly might explore the transfer portal to secure a new signal-caller.

Kelly successfully brought in a transfer portal quarterback in two of the last three seasons (Garbers in 2021 and Schlee in 2023). With Schlee back for another season and Kelly planning long-term with the addition of two incoming freshmen, the Bruins may spend time using the portal to fill other needs on the roster. 

^{(per James H. Williams via Los Angeles Daily News)}

The quarterback situation is uncertain, and while Garbers has demonstrated his capabilities, the question lingers—can he lead the team to compete at a high level in the upcoming season? The absence of a standout freshman like Moore and potential limitations in the transfer portal options could steer Kelly toward continuity with Garbers.

The decision on the starting quarterback for the Bruins in 2024 remains uncertain, and the coaching staff faces the challenge of determining the best fit to lead the team. 

Whether they opt for the familiar presence of Garbers or explore external options, the anticipation for the forthcoming season is tinged with uncertainty about who will command the offense for the Bruins.