UCLA Football: Pundit Details QBs Who Could Challenge Ethan Garbers For QB1

The UCLA Bruins have an important job to handle in the 2024 season. That job is to pick a starting QB. Though the assumption is that Ethan Garbers has won himself the starting job, things might not be that simple.

Garbers was injured in the final game of the regular season, and Collin Schlee would start the LA Bowl. Unfortunately, Schlee was also injured, which led to Garbers hitting the field.

Garbers was far better in the passing game and was instrumental in leading the team to the LA Bowl Championship. Despite his 152 yards and 2 TDs, he might not be the locked-in choice for QB1.

Steve Henson of the LA Times detailed the rise of Garbers, but also stated the players that will not be part of that crowded QB room.

"UCLA signed freshmen quarterbacks Karson Gordon from Bellaire (Texas) Episcopal and Henry Hasselbeck from Westwood (Mass.) Xaverian Brothers last week and also will return Collin Schlee, Justyn Martin and Luke Duncan. Garbers should enter camp as the presumptive favorite, but the quarterback room will be crowded."

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Steve Henson, LA Times

Coach Chip Kelly believed enough in Collin Schlee to allow him to start the LA Bowl, and that faith could be a huge reason why Schlee is allowed to challenge for QB1 next season.

Schlee showcased his elite escapability during the LA Bowl, but taking unnecessary risks with running has adverse effects.

There is also Justyn Martin and Luke Duncan to think about, who could presumably get some playing time as well.

This is not to say that Ethan Garbers has lost his chance to start. We believe he has more than earned that. Still, Kelly will do what is best for the team, and he could rely on his proclivity to want a rotating carousel of QBs once again.