Nov 30, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach DeShaun Foster on the sidelines during the third quarter against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Foster Slights UCLA's Past Offensive Philosophy

Originally posted on UCLA Bruins on SI | By Connor Moreno | Last updated Aug 15, 2025 7:00 AM ET

The UCLA Bruins have gone through a ton of offensive changes since last season. From losing and acquiring players in the transfer portal, revamping the staff by hiring Tino Sunseri and letting Eric Bieniemy walk, to installing a brand new scheme, DeShaun Foster is excited about what's to come.

One of the position groups the second-year head coach is certain will be impacted positively by all these changes is the tight ends. After losing Moliki Matavao, plenty of returners are stepping up, and Foster credits Sunseri's new "everything" offense a s one of the reasons the position group is going to flourish.

"I think Moliki had a really good year last season," Foster said during Wednesday's media availability. "I just think that we're going to use the tight end any way that we can. But we're just excited about this being a full offense and not just a one-dimensional thing, you know? Just being a full offense that can run the ball and stretch the field."

The Briuns and Bieniemy mutually agreed to part ways at the end of last season, and the former offensive coordinator joined the NFL's Chicago Bears as their running backs coach for the 2025 season.

UCLA's Tight End Depth

The Bruins' tight end group is filled with staunch returners and a key transfer, making the position relatively dynamic. Here are the key players in the depth chart:

Hudson Habermehl, #81, Redshirt Senior, 6'7", 245 lbs.

Habermehl is projected to be the Bruins' starting tight end, and is coming off an ACL injury that kept him out all of last season. However, Foster revealed at Big Ten Media Days that the redshirt senior tight end has been a full-go all offseason.

In 2023, Habermehl caught nine passes for 148 yards and three touchdowns. In the season prior, he caught 15 passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns. In his final season of eligibility, Habermehl is looking to return and impact the Bruins' offense.

Jack Pedersen, #28, Redshirt Junior, 6'5", 240 lbs.

Pedersen backed up Moliko Matavao last season, who was drafted with the 248th overall pick in round seven of the 2025 NFL Draft to the New Orleans Saints. Pedersen finished last season with 12 receptions for 126 yards and one touchdown.

Jake Renda, #88, Redshirt Senior, 6'5", 245 lbs.

Renda comes to Westwood by way of Pitt, and I think he can be as good as a starting tight end for the Bruins by the end of the season. Renda could end up being important should injury riddle through the position again this year.

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