UCLA coach Chip Kelly named redshirt junior Ethan Garbers as the starting quarterback for Saturday’s season opener against Coastal Carolina.
Garbers got the nod over 5-star freshman Dante Moore and Kent State transfer Collin Schlee. However, Kelly said both Moore and Schlee will see action.
“All three of them deserve to play,” Kelly said Monday. “They’ve all played outstanding. It’s been a really good battle with those guys. Healthy competition and they all have earned the playing time.”
The Bruins are looking to replace longtime starter Dorian Thompson-Robinson, a fifth-round pick by the Cleveland Browns in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Garbers transferred to UCLA from Washington in January 2021. He saw action in six games last season, including the Sun Bowl loss to Pitt after Thompson-Robinson was injured.
Garbers has 599 yards passing with four TDs and four INTs in 12 games (one start) at QB for UCLA.
Moore flipped his commitment from Oregon to UCLA in December. Moore was ranked No. 3 overall in the Class of 2023 by ESPN.
UCLA’s Pac-12 slate begins Sept. 23 at No. 14 Utah.
–Field Level Media