UCLA Football Head Coach DeShaun Foster didn’t overplay the moment after UCLA’s Spring Showcase. His team is growing, bonding, and beginning to look like a program that reflects his identity of Discipline, Respect, and Enthusiasm.
“I think we’re in a pretty good place,” Foster said. “Every team in America has moving pieces now with the portal. Everyone can reload or lose people—it’s just what college football is. But we did a great job getting our guys to gel and work as one. Now it’s player-led, so we’ll see how much they can grow heading into training camp.”
That leadership-from-within approach has become a theme under Foster. UCLA football is now using a shirt system that tracks grades, film work, effort, and leadership. Earning a jersey means earning the right to represent the program every day, not just on Saturdays.
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One of the most talked-about additions is former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava. The 6-foot-6 transfer is expected to compete immediately, and Foster has already taken note of his impact.
“He has presence. You can tell. He’s 6’6″, commands attention without seeking it, very poised. He’ll be learning online or virtually soon. He’s a smart kid—high GPA. He’s played quarterback at a high level, so a lot of it is just learning what we call things, not relearning everything.”
With Iamaleava settling in, redshirt sophomore Luke Duncan has emerged as a key spring standout. His growth was made possible by a trimmed quarterback room.
“We trimmed the QB room from eight to four. That gave Luke more reps. He was eager for them. It wasn’t about a pitch count. Just giving him more opportunities.”
Duncan rewarded that trust with a strong performance in the showcase.
“Luke had a really good day. He kept getting better despite outside noise. I commend how he focused and improved.”
Some veterans, including receiver Titus Mokiao-Atimalala, were held out of the final scrimmage. Foster said that was intentional. The coaching staff had seen enough during practice and wanted to evaluate younger players under the lights.
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That included several reshuffled offensive line units. Only Sam Yoon and Garrett DiGiorgio returned to the UCLA football program from last season, but Foster said the group responded well.
“The O-line had a great spring. A lot of turnover there. Only Sam and Garrett returned. But those groups (1s, 2s, 3s) came together and made real strides. We’re excited about their protection and run blocking.”
There was plenty of mixing and matching to determine who fits where.
“It was about giving guys reps at multiple spots. Garrett took some left tackle, too. We want the best five, and we’re figuring out what that looks like.”
The spring game uniforms reflected practicality. Without alternate-colored jerseys for quarterbacks, Foster used a simple system to differentiate roles.
“We don’t have alt colors for QBs, so I went white for offense, blue for defense, and throwbacks for quarterbacks. Carter didn’t do team stuff, just a little 7-on-7. He’s still non-contact.”
Foster had high praise for the early-enrollee freshman class, which has already started to establish itself in both the weight room and the locker room.
“Really impressed. On defense, Juju Walls, Scott Taylor, Cole Cogshell. Offense: Carson Cox, Garrison, and the tight ends. Coming in during winter helps. Lifting, learning the playbook, bonding. They’re way ahead of guys who arrive in the fall.”
Among that group, Carson Cox stood out not just for his play style, but for his example.
“Super consistent. Doesn’t lose yards, runs north-south. Leads quietly, but by example. Always first in line, brings the other freshmen along. The whole freshman group functions as a unit, and Carson’s a big reason why.”
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For Foster, this spring was more than development. It was personal. Coaching the program he once played for has become a full-circle experience.
“It feels great. I’m a Bruin through and through. Leading this program means everything to me. Seeing my old teammates here today, some without even telling me—they just showed up. It’s special. Everyone’s on the same page. This is going to be a good season. Get your popcorn ready.”
The message is clear. The roster may not be finished, but the foundation is solid. And for the first time in a while, there is real belief growing in Westwood for the UCLA football program.