Former UCLA QB Secures New Opportunity Overseas

Throughout his career, he put up 4,462 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions. On the ground, he rushed for 294 yards and three touchdowns. He started a few games in 2023, but really took over in 2024. He played 40 games at UCLA, starting 18 of them. He accounted for nine UCLA wins over this time.

His best game as a Bruin came against Rutgers, where he completed 32 of 38 passes for 383 yards and four touchdowns, while also adding 48 rushing yards and another score.

In his sophomore season in 2023, Garbers also led UCLA to a dominant 38–20 win over crosstown rival USC. He threw for 155 yards and three touchdowns in what became one of the signature performances of his Bruin career.

He also helped lead the Bruins to their only bowl-game victory of his tenure, working alongside fellow quarterback Colin Schlee. UCLA defeated Boise State in the Starco Brands LA Bowl, where Garbers threw for 152 yards and two touchdowns to close the season on a high note.

Post-Bruins Career

After going undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, Garbers signed with the Carolina Panthers as a free agent on May 8. His time in Carolina was brief—he was waived in July—but the opportunity still gave him meaningful exposure to the professional level.

That experience, combined with his brief stint as a Big Ten quarterback, made Garbers an appealing target for the Madrid Bravos, who still see his potential as a productive quarterback in Europe. However, finding the field may prove to be challenging.

It will be an uphill battle for Garbers, meaning he most likely won't be a day-one starter for the Bravos. He might find himself behind EFL MVP Reid Sinnett, who passed for 3,953 yards and 50 touchdowns to just four interceptions in the 2025 season for the Bravos. Leading the team to an 8-4 record.

It’s encouraging to see UCLA alumni making noise across the world, and if Garbers can perform well in Europe, there’s genuine hope he can revive his NFL career and possibly make a future return to the league.