Idan Oz

Idan Oz

Joined: Jul 31, 2025

Idan Oz attends UCLA and brings a unique writing style to On SI as he covers the NFL. Born outside the USA, he brings a fresh focus, love, and appreciation for the game of football that shines through his writing style.

Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Brian Simms III (17) tackles Nebraska Cornhuskers tight end Luke Lindenmeyer (44) in the first quarter of the Kansas City Classic season opening game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Nebraska Cornhuskers, Aug. 28, 2025, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.

Nov 23, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach DeShaun Foster yells at referees during the second quarter against the USC Trojans at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Jul 29, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; A detailed view of UCLA Bruins helmet during Pac-12 Media Day at Novo Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Nov 8, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach DeShaun Foster on the sidelines during the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Sep 14, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; A pylon with the Big Ten Conference and the UCLA Bruins logos at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Episode 17 of the UCLA Freshman Spotlight series.

October 22, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; General view of UCLA Bruins offensive line against the Utah Utes defense before the snap during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

UCLA Freshman Spotlight: Garrison Blank

Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) throws during the second half of the College Football Playoff first round game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Dec. 22, 2024. Ohio State won 42-17.

Nico Iamaleava and Devon Dampier will battle it out in Week 1.

Oct 19, 2024; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Jalen Berger (0) scores on a touchdown reception as Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Robert Longerbeam (7) defends during the second half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

UCLA did not run the ball well in 2024; that has to change.

Indiana Quarterback Coach Tino Sunseri before the start of the Indiana versus Michigan football game at Memorial Stadium on Friday, Nov. 9, 2024.

Episode 15 of the UCLA Freshman Spotlight series.

Sep 14, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; A TD 42 sticker on the helmet of UCLA Bruins offensive lineman Kory Symington (63) in honor of Terry Donahue and Jackie Robinson during the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Episode 14 of the UCLA Freshman Spotlight series.

Jul 9, 2025; Frisco, TX, USA; Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham speaks with the media during 2025 Big 12 Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

DeShaun Foster and the Bruins are almost out of prep-time before game 1.

Jul 24, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster speaks to the media during the Big Ten NCAA college football media days at Mandalay Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

Going into game 1, here's what coach Foster and UCLA will need to prepare for.

Shane Rosenthal was selected as The Star's All-County Football Offensive Player of the Year.

Episode 13 of the UCLA Freshman Spotlight series.

Indiana Quarterback Coach Tino Sunseri before the start of the Indiana versus Michigan football game at Memorial Stadium on Friday, Nov. 9, 2024.

Episode 12 of the UCLA Freshman Spotlight series.

Nov 8, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe, center, celebrates with linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) defensive back Jaylin Davies (6) after an interception in the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Episode 11 of the UCLA Freshman Spotlight series.

Sep 21, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Kyren Lacy (2) misses a pass against UCLA Bruins defensive back Croix Stewart (22) during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The UCLA Bruins have an exciting secondary in the works.