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UCLA coach DeShaun Foster had a less-than-ideal introduction to the Big Ten during the conference's media days on Wednesday.
The event marked UCLA's formal introduction to the rest of the conference, but Foster's opening statement left many attendees puzzled.
DeShaun Foster fumbled opening statement
Foster, who is stepping into his first season as head coach for UCLA, seemed unprepared when he took the podium.
"I'm happy to be here," he began.
"I'm glad to be a part of this great conference. Finally putting two great emblems together - UCLA and the Big Ten. We're a school that's won, what, 123 championships? So, this fits with us being right in this conference. Football-wise, we're just excited. I'm sure you guys don't know too much about UCLA, our football program, but we're in L.A. It's us and USC."
After this statement, an awkward silence ensued, lasting about 20 seconds, before Foster added, "I'm just basically excited; that's it."
Foster, 44, is a first-time head coach, taking over the Bruins' program on February 12.
An alumnus of UCLA and a member of the UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame, Foster served as the associate head coach in 2023 and was a nominee for the Broyles Award in 2022, which is given to the top assistant coach in college football.
UCLA poised for successful first season in Big Ten
Despite the shaky start at media day, there is optimism that Foster and UCLA can improve from here.
The Bruins are preparing for a challenging 2024 season as they transition into the Big Ten Conference.
Notably, UCLA will not face Michigan or Ohio State, two of the conference's top teams, but their schedule remains demanding.
Several of UCLA's opponents are also in a rebuilding phase, having lost their starting quarterbacks to the NFL Draft.
High-profile departures include Bo Nix from Oregon, Michael Penix Jr. from Washington, Caleb Williams from USC, and Jayden Daniels from LSU.
While these teams may have capable backups, replacing such talented players will be a significant challenge.
The Bruins' season kicks off on Saturday, August 31, at 4:30 p.m. PT, when they travel to Honolulu to face Hawai'i.
The game will be televised on CBS.
UCLA's home opener at The Rose Bowl features their first-ever Big Ten Conference matchup against Indiana on Saturday, September 14, at 4:30 p.m.