DeShaun Foster sees the 2024 season as a critical learning curve for the UCLA Bruins, a season that exposed weaknesses and set the stage for major improvements in 2025. Now at the helm, Foster took over as head coach after Chip Kelly’s sudden departure to become Ohio State’s offensive coordinator in 2024.
Foster’s first year as UCLA’s head coach ended with a disappointing 5-7 record, falling short of expectations. But instead of dwelling on the setbacks, the Bruins alum views it as a stepping stone, basically a chance to learn, adapt, and build a stronger foundation for the future.
DeShaun Foster Remains Optimistic About UCLA’s Future
Foster wasted no time shaking things up, overhauling his offensive staff, and making key acquisitions in the transfer portal to set the stage for a stronger 2025 season. During an interview with Big Ten Network, Foster was asked if his approach meant a complete rebuild or if he was simply fine-tuning the pieces for a turnaround.
He mentioned that he’s just trying to restore the program’s true foundation with his reformed strategies in the 2025 season.
“It’s not necessarily starting from scratch, but we did put down the foundation of what this program is. And I think that we have enough guys that are coming back that they’re able to relay that message to the new guys,” he said.
“We did put down the foundation of what this program is.”
DeShaun Foster on how last season set the groundwork for the future of @UCLAFootball 👇#B1GToday x #B1GFootball pic.twitter.com/UX6UoczIok
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) February 7, 2025
“So, you know, we’re not going to mention too much of last season and what happened, but that was the groundwork. And, you know, we were able to set the foundation that we needed,” Foster added. “And, you know, I’m just ready to put this house up and start some winter conditioning and then the spring ball.”
Foster is thrilled to see his players attacking workouts with energy and determination. His goal isn’t just to bring in top recruits; in fact, it’s about finding the right talent that aligns with his vision for the program’s future.
“So these guys are pretty excited. I love how they’re approaching workouts, just the energy they’ve had out here, new and old players. So, you know, I just think that once UCLA can continue to recruit the way that I want to recruit and get the type of talent that we need, you know, just the sky’s the limit.”
College Football Analyst Projects DeShaun Foster To Experience Another Down Year
Foster wants to bounce back from the poor 2024 season, and many believe he might even do so; however, not everybody agrees. 247Sports’ Brad Crawford predicted the UCLA Bruins would have a year similar to their previous season since he projected them to finish 5-7 and 3-6 in the Big Ten.
“Utah (Loss), at UNLV (Loss), New Mexico (Win), at Northwestern (Loss), Penn State (Loss), at Michigan State (Win), Maryland (Win), at Indiana (Loss), Nebraska (Win), at Ohio State (Loss), Washington (Loss), at USC (Loss),” Crawford wrote. “Early projection: 5-7, 3-6.”
KEEP READING: DeShaun Foster Looking To Bounce Back in 2025
Interestingly, Crawford believes that UCLA won’t be able to take revenge on Nebraska, even though Foster managed to win against them last year.
However, with a stronger roster and a more favorable schedule than last season, the pieces are in place for a better future for UCLA. Now, it’s on the 45-year-old head coach to guide UCLA back to bowl eligibility. With spring training on the horizon, Foster still has time to prove his mettle and declare his resolve for a comeback season.
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