UCLA Football: Ethan Garbers Confirms His Return to Bruins

Ethan Garbers will return in 2024.

There's no other way to say it: Ethan Garbers makes the UCLA Bruins better. It was a bit odd when it was announced that the team would be starting Collin Schlee over Garbers for the LA Bowl. 

Coach Chip Kelly confirmed it was because Garbers was banged up during the season finale against Cal. Instead of forcing Garbers back out, the plan was to let him rest up for the 2024 season. Unfortunately, Collin Schlee was hurt, and Garbers entered the game. 

He made an impact immediately, throwing a TD pass to Kyle Ford. Garbers would end the night with 152 yards and 2 TDs, despite entering the game in the third quarter. 

After the Bruins' big win, Garbers let it be known that he will be returning to UCLA next season. 

UCLA QB Ethan Garbers said he’ll be back for the 2024 season. pic.twitter.com/RImbcVN4G3

— James H. Williams covers UCLA football (@JHWreporter) December 17, 2023

Kelly has expressed confidence in Garbers, which is warranted. The offense clicks on all cylinders when Garbers is behind center. Last night was further proof of that. 

Collin Schlee has superb running skills, but he doesn't command the same respect in the passing game as Garbers does. The Bruins are set to enter the Big Ten Conference in the 2024 season, and they will be poised to make a deep run with Garbers at the helm. 

The Bruins picked up a big win yesterday, even without having Carson Steele in the game. Both Garbers and Steele now have time to heal from their injuries, as they will be called on to lead the offense in 2024. 

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