Photo by: UCLA Athletics
UCLA Football Takes the Podium at Big Ten Media Days Wednesday
July 23, 2024 | Football
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster, quarterback Ethan Garbers, wide receiver J.Michael Sturdivant and defensive lineman Jay Toia will represent the UCLA football program at its first-ever Big Ten Football Media Days at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis tomorrow on Wednesday, July 24.
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UCLA Athletic Hall of Famer Foster was named the 19th head coach in Bruins' football history on Feb. 12 and enters his first season at the helm of the program in 2024. Foster completed his 11th year of collegiate coaching and 10th in Westwood as associate head coach in 2023. In 2022, he was a nominee for the Broyles Award, presented annually to college football's top assistant coach.
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Foster will be accompanied by a trio of upperclassmen – Garbers (R-Sr.), Sturdivant (R-Jr.) and Toia (Sr.).
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Garbers enters 2024 as the Bruins' top man under center after making six starts in 2023. His junior campaign was highlighted by a season-high three scoring passes in a 38-20 victory over crosstown rival USC at the LA Memorial Coliseum and a dominant showing off the bench in a 35-22 win over Boise State in the LA Bowl, resulting in Offensive MVP honors.
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Sturdivant ranked second among UCLA wideouts with 597 receiving yards and 36 receptions in his first season in a Bruins' uniform in 2023. The Highlight Village, Texas product capped the year with a season-high 142 receiving yards on four catches, including a touchdown, against the Broncos in the LA Bowl.
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Toia started 12 games on one of the most dominant defensive lines in the country last season. He totaled four tackles for loss and one sack in 13 games as a junior.
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The Bruins' season will begin Saturday, Aug. 31 at 4:30 p.m. (PT), as UCLA travels to Honolulu to face Hawai'i. The contest will be televised on CBS. UCLA's home opener at The Rose Bowl features its first-ever Big Ten Conference matchup versus Indiana on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 4:30 p.m. Â
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HOW TO WATCH
UCLA opens Wednesday's festivities at Big Ten Football Media Days with DeShaun Foster's press conference at 8:30 a.m. (PT). Fans can watch the Bruins' student-athletes on the Big Ten Network set at 12:30 p.m. (PT), shortly followed by another appearance by Foster.
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Coverage on day two of Football Media Days begins at 8 a.m. (PT) and runs through 2 p.m. on the Big Ten Network and via the FOX Sports app.
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THE BRUINS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Get an inside look at the Bruins' day in Indianapolis by following the UCLA football team accounts on X (@UCLAFootball), Instagram (@UCLAFootball) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/UCLAFootball/).
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Fans are also encouraged to follow the Big Ten Conference's social media accounts for more Bruins' content.
TICKETS
Various ticket packages, including season, mini-plan and single-game tickets, for the Bruins' inaugural Big Ten season are now available. Fans can click HERE or contact UCLA Athletics Sales and Service at (310) 206-5991 or via email at tickets@athletics.ucla.edu for more information on personalized ticket options.
Sign up for UCLA Athletics emails HERE to stay up-to-date on inside information, ticket deals and more.
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UCLA Athletic Hall of Famer Foster was named the 19th head coach in Bruins' football history on Feb. 12 and enters his first season at the helm of the program in 2024. Foster completed his 11th year of collegiate coaching and 10th in Westwood as associate head coach in 2023. In 2022, he was a nominee for the Broyles Award, presented annually to college football's top assistant coach.
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Foster will be accompanied by a trio of upperclassmen – Garbers (R-Sr.), Sturdivant (R-Jr.) and Toia (Sr.).
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Garbers enters 2024 as the Bruins' top man under center after making six starts in 2023. His junior campaign was highlighted by a season-high three scoring passes in a 38-20 victory over crosstown rival USC at the LA Memorial Coliseum and a dominant showing off the bench in a 35-22 win over Boise State in the LA Bowl, resulting in Offensive MVP honors.
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Sturdivant ranked second among UCLA wideouts with 597 receiving yards and 36 receptions in his first season in a Bruins' uniform in 2023. The Highlight Village, Texas product capped the year with a season-high 142 receiving yards on four catches, including a touchdown, against the Broncos in the LA Bowl.
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Toia started 12 games on one of the most dominant defensive lines in the country last season. He totaled four tackles for loss and one sack in 13 games as a junior.
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The Bruins' season will begin Saturday, Aug. 31 at 4:30 p.m. (PT), as UCLA travels to Honolulu to face Hawai'i. The contest will be televised on CBS. UCLA's home opener at The Rose Bowl features its first-ever Big Ten Conference matchup versus Indiana on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 4:30 p.m. Â
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HOW TO WATCH
UCLA opens Wednesday's festivities at Big Ten Football Media Days with DeShaun Foster's press conference at 8:30 a.m. (PT). Fans can watch the Bruins' student-athletes on the Big Ten Network set at 12:30 p.m. (PT), shortly followed by another appearance by Foster.
Â
Coverage on day two of Football Media Days begins at 8 a.m. (PT) and runs through 2 p.m. on the Big Ten Network and via the FOX Sports app.
Â
THE BRUINS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Get an inside look at the Bruins' day in Indianapolis by following the UCLA football team accounts on X (@UCLAFootball), Instagram (@UCLAFootball) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/UCLAFootball/).
Â
Fans are also encouraged to follow the Big Ten Conference's social media accounts for more Bruins' content.
TICKETS
Various ticket packages, including season, mini-plan and single-game tickets, for the Bruins' inaugural Big Ten season are now available. Fans can click HERE or contact UCLA Athletics Sales and Service at (310) 206-5991 or via email at tickets@athletics.ucla.edu for more information on personalized ticket options.
Sign up for UCLA Athletics emails HERE to stay up-to-date on inside information, ticket deals and more.
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