LOS ANGELES — DeShaun Foster had known what it was like to take the field as a UCLA athlete. He had seen the game he loves from the other side of football as an assistant coach.
Yet, nothing could have prepared the Bruins’ head coach for the terrorizing weight of being in charge of the whole operation.
“I was scared,” Foster said, reminiscing on the feeling he felt before UCLA’s season opener at Hawai’i last year. “And I’ve never been scared on the football field. It was a nervous feeling just because it was brand new, and I’d never been in that position.”
Those nerves might have shown up on the field, too. The Bruins scraped by the Rainbow Warriors, 16-13, on a game-winning field goal from Mateen Bhaghani. In 2025, entering his second season coaching his alma mater, Foster says the nerves have evaporated – even with a familiar, higher-stature opponent than Hawai’i awaiting at the Rose Bowl.
“I’m nowhere near where we were last year,” he said of his mindset, “so I feel pretty good.”
It’s a clean slate for Foster – who led the Bruins to a 5-7 record in his coaching debut – and he’s brought a new quarterback along for the ride. Redshirt sophomore Nico Iamaleava will have all eyes on him Saturday night when UCLA squares off with old Pac-12 foe Utah for an 8 p.m. kickoff at the Rose Bowl.
“I think the fall camp really helped me just being comfortable in the offense, taking control of the offense,” Iamaleava said. “Me and the guys are putting a lot of work in, and we can’t wait to display that Saturday.”
While the Tennessee transfer from Warren High – who was reportedly involved in a name, image and likeness (NIL) contract dispute that ultimately led him back to Southern California, where he grew up in Long Beach – is hoping to start his UCLA career off on the right foot, Utah is entering with an entirely new face to its offense as well.
Kyle Whittingham, who is entering his 21st season in charge of Utah football, hired Jason Beck from New Mexico to become his offensive coordinator. Beck brought quarterback Devon Dampier along with him, potentially sustaining an offensive identity from school to school with a scheme that produced the most offense in the Mountain West Conference last year.
Foster said the Bruins had been watching film from New Mexico last year to help prepare for the matchup. While Beck and Dampier bring something new to the table for Utah – compared to the defense still led by Utes’ defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley – Foster understands that any time you’re up against Utah’s offensive line, it’s a hill to climb.
UCLA’s front four against Utah’s fortress at the line of scrimmage – one that Pro Football Focus’ Max Chadwick ranked as the second-best in the nation – might be the duel that decides who leaves Saturday with a tally in the win column.
“It’s going to be a test,” said Bruins redshirt senior defensive lineman Gary Smith III, who complimented Utah’s veteran linemen, “but I’m going to enjoy the matchup for sure.”
When Utah has the ball
Whittingham has purposely kept his cards close to his chest ahead of Week 1. He didn’t release a depth chart and won’t tip off who is starting where against the Bruins. However, one thing is certain: Dampier can make plays – on the ground or through the air.
Look for Dampier, who recorded more rushing touchdowns (19) than passing touchdowns (12) for New Mexico in 2024, to use his legs to extend plays. Utah, which has never been afraid to run the ball, could turn to Washington State transfer Wayshawn Parker as its lead running back Saturday.
After averaging just 130.4 rushing yards per game last year – good for the bottom third of the NCAA alongside UCLA – Utah appears primed to carry the ball with much more regularity in 2025 with Dampier behind center and an offensive line that can make plays happen.
When UCLA has the ball
UCLA offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri has promised a balanced offensive attack, a more traditional offense than the sets Eric Bieniemy ran for the Bruins last year.
Iamaleava has a knack for the deep ball, tallying six 50-plus yard completions for the Volunteers in 2024, and has the targets in wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer and tight end Hudson Habermehl to generate such big plays in 2025.
Cal transfer Jaivian Thomas and Jalen Berger, whom Foster referred to as a “one-two punch” during fall training camp in Costa Mesa, will be two Bruins to watch as they attempt to boost UCLA above 100 rushing yards per game after the running backs room notched the fourth-lowest rushing average in the nation last year. Beyond Thomas and Berger, look for a handful of Bruins to record carries as Sunseri explores his first season as a collegiate offensive play caller.
Utah vs. UCLA
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Rose Bowl
TV/Radio: FOX (Ch. 11)/790 AM