UCLA’s 2025 season narrative is set, but the Bruins are focused on creating their own story.
The main goal for UCLA and head coach DeShaun Foster in 2025 is simple: win. Recruiting and branding are secondary if the team doesn’t succeed on the field. After coming up just one win short of bowl eligibility in 2024, Foster is close to reaching his goal as the narrative around the Bruins continues to unfold.
One of those narratives comes from ESPN’s Paolo Uggetti, who discussed the storylines surrounding UCLA for the upcoming season.
In the spring, the focus will be on the offense.
“Foster’s second year as head coach starts with many questions and new faces,” Uggetti wrote. “He overhauled most of his coaching staff after UCLA finished 5-7 last season. Tino Sunseri is the new offensive coordinator, coming from Indiana, and he’s tasked with revamping an offense that was among the least productive in the conference last year.”
A major point of focus will be determining whether UCLA’s offensive struggles in 2024 were due to Foster’s system, Eric Bieniemy’s scheme, or other factors like timing and personnel.
Uggetti sees the offensive line as a key area of interest.
“With new offensive line coach Andy Kwon in place, UCLA has made the line a priority, bringing in key transfers like tackle Courtland Ford from Kentucky, interior lineman Julian Armella from Florida State, and Eugene Brooks from Oklahoma, along with K.D. Arnold from Jacksonville State,” Uggetti wrote.
Under Chip Kelly, UCLA frequently sent offensive linemen to the NFL, and Kwon’s success at Arkansas State suggests he can help the Bruins return to that level.
Uggetti also highlighted transfer quarterback Joey Aguilar as a player to watch.
“With Dante Moore moving to Oregon, Ethan Garbers out of eligibility, and Justyn Martin transferring, Foster turned to the portal for a quarterback with experience—enter Joey Aguilar. The Appalachian State transfer returns to California with one year of eligibility left after a senior season with 3,003 yards and 23 touchdowns,” Uggetti wrote.
If Aguilar is the starter in the fall, he could reunite with his former Appalachian State teammate Kaedin Robinson for some deep throws. However, consistency will be crucial. If Aguilar can deliver accurate passes, he’ll have one of the Big Ten’s most underrated receiving corps at his disposal.
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