DeShaun Foster and Nico Iamaleava Under Scrutiny After UCLA's 0-2 Start: Coaching Change on the Horizon?
UCLA's football program finds itself under intense pressure after a disappointing 0-2 start to the 2025 season. The arrival of quarterback Nico Iamaleava through the transfer portal had raised expectations, but back-to-back losses have cast doubt on second-year coach DeShaun Foster's leadership and job security.
Mounting Pressure on Foster
The Bruins' struggles were highlighted on CBS Sports' "College Football Insiders," where experts discussed the precariousness of Foster's position. A Week 2 loss to UNLV, coupled with a 43-10 defeat against Utah in the season opener, has fueled speculation about a potential coaching change. Chris Hummer noted that Foster's relatively low salary and buyout could make a change more palatable for the university.
Foster, an alumnus of UCLA, signed a five-year deal and is earning $3.1 million this season. His buyout would be 70% of his remaining salary if terminated before December 1st, dropping to 60% afterward. However, John Talty suggested that firing an alum could damage the program's relationship with a well-liked figure who was brought in to reconnect with boosters and former players.
Roster Deficiencies and Iamaleava's Support
Questions remain about Foster's ability to build a winning roster in the Big Ten. Analysts have pointed out deficiencies along the offensive line and at the receiver position. Hummer emphasized that "there's clear deficiencies on that roster along the offensive line and at receiver," and that Iamaleava's camp recognized those issues before the season began.
It is evident that Iamaleava lacks the supporting cast he enjoyed at Tennessee. Despite choosing UCLA, the responsibility of building a competitive team around him falls on Foster, and the offense has struggled, scoring only 33 points in the first two games.
Roundtable: Foster's Future at UCLA
The Southern California Football Roundtable debated whether DeShaun Foster will remain UCLA's head coach in 2026.
| Participant | Prediction | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Matt Zemek (Editor) | He will. | UCLA administrators lack the will to make bold changes. |
| Ryan Lorenz (UCLA Wire) | He probably will. | UCLA gave him a five-year contract and may fall victim to the sunk cost fallacy. |
| Dylan McNeill (UCLA Wire) | He shouldn't. | UCLA should maximize the program's potential with a new coach. |
| Adam Bradford (Trojans Wire) | Yes! Extend Foster! | (Implied sarcasm) He believes keeping Foster benefits USC. |
| Micah Huff (Trojans Wire) | He will be looking for another job. | A poor season will result in Foster's departure. |
