DeShaun Foster opens Big Ten Media Days by mocking himself from 2024 press conference

Last year, DeShaun Foster made headlines at Big Ten Media Days for all the wrong reasons. It was his first time at event as UCLA‘s head coach, and Foster was visibly nervous. In his opening statement, there were painfully long periods of silence and an awkward moment when Foster reminded everybody that UCLA is based in Los Angeles.

A year removed from the incident, Foster didn’t shy away from discussing the viral moment from last July. Instead, the Bruins’ headman leaned into the hilarious memory.

“Well, everyone, I’m back,” Foster said with a smile. “Last year, I stood up here and reminded everyone that UCLA is in LA, which looking back, might have been the most obvious geography lesson in Big Ten history.

“We’re stating clearly we are in LA and we’re proud to be in LA, and this year, we’re ready to show the Big Ten what LA football looks like when it’s firing on all cylinders. That moment speaking to you last year taught me a valuable lesson: Authenticity resonates more deeply than perfection.

“Our players saw me being human, and it brought us closer together. We’ve been joking about it for about a year now. The players know that that same genuine approach is how we coach, recruit and build this program.”

UCLA had a slow start to last season. After winning their season-opener against Hawaii, the Bruins lost five consecutive games. In fairness, those games were against Indiana, LSU, Penn State, Oregon and Minnesota — three of which appeared in the College Football Playoff.

Despite the grueling first half of its schedule, UCLA bounced back in the final six games of its season. The Bruins won three consecutive games after starting 1-5. Finally, the Bruins finished the year on a high note with a triumph over Fresno State.

Now, the Bruins are ready to ramp up their success in Year 2 under DeShaun Foster. The team had an excellent offseason, reeling in the No. 12 class in On3’s 2025 Team Transfer Portal Rankings.

The group is highlighted by former Tennessee starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who left the Volunteers after having an NIL dispute with the program. Iamaleava was the No. 2 quarterback in On3’s 2025 Transfer Portal Player Rankings.

UCLA will kick off its season with a showdown against Utah at 11 p.m. ET on Aug. 30. The game will air live on FOX.