Ethan Garbers is stepping into the spotlight as the starting quarterback for UCLA football, and he’s feeling confident as the 2024 season approaches.
"The offense goes as I go," Ethan Garbers said Wednesday.
With the Bruins set to kick off their campaign against Hawaii, Garbers has taken on a leadership role during the offseason, setting the tone for the team.
His recent performance in the L.A. Bowl, where he led UCLA to victory over Boise State, has only bolstered his self-assurance.
Garbers demonstrated his ability to connect with receivers on deep passes, showcasing the explosive offense he envisions for this season.
"I was already confident before that," Garbers said Wednesday. "I trusted in my abilities, and confidence was not lacking at all."
Garbers took command of the game with both his arm and poise under pressure to earn the Bruins' first Bowl Game win since 2015. He finished 9-12 for 152 yards and two touchdowns and was named the Offensive MVP for the game.
Garbers has been vocal about his commitment to pushing the ball downfield, and his confidence is evident in how he communicates with his teammates.
After stepping in for an injured player last season, he proved he could handle pressure and deliver results, finishing the game with impressive stats and earning the Offensive MVP title.
Throughout the offseason, Garbers has focused on improving his understanding of the game, particularly the mental aspects.
He has embraced the challenge of learning a new offensive system and has worked hard to motivate his teammates, fostering a sense of unity and purpose.
His leadership has not gone unnoticed by the coaching staff, who appreciate his growth and determination.
"His leadership has really grown and he’s just taking on the role of being QB1," head coach DeShaun Foster said earlier this month.
"You can just tell the way that they follow Ethan, the way that they talk about him," Foster said Wednesday. "Everybody has seen what he's been through, what he's gone through here at UCLA. Just to continue to be resilient and come out on top is good."
With the departure of former starter Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Garbers has emerged as the clear choice for the starting role, allowing him to build on the experience gained from last season's ups and downs.
"They've seen me work day in and day out and I think that speaks for itself," Garbers said.
He sees this confidence as an essential part of playing the position. "Confidence is almost 90 percent of the position ... I think it really helps when the other 10 guys are looking at you in the huddle and you're confident, and you're like, 'hey, let's go. We got this.'"
As the Bruins prepare to face tough competition in the Big Ten, Garbers' experience will be crucial.
"That's huge," Foster said. "Just having a veteran quarterback that's been here, has played in big games ... being able to have a familiar face and know somebody that you can trust and keep the offense on track, that's a positive."
The team is eager to see how their offense performs against formidable defenses, and all eyes will be on Garbers as he leads UCLA into the new season.
For now, the focus is on securing a win in Honolulu and setting the tone for what they hope will be a successful year.
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