UCLA will start true freshman Josh Rosen at quarterback

Rosen, who enrolled early in January so he could compete for the spot during in spring practice, was named the starter over redshirt juniors Jerry Neuheisel and Mike Fafaul.

Josh Rosen will be UCLA’s starting quarterback, head coach Jim Mora announced today. He said he did not make a formal announcement to the team.

In the final days before UCLA broke summer camp at Cal State San Bernardino last week, Mora seemed to make a point of being tough on Rosen – perhaps a final test to see how the young quarterback would respond. He became the Bruins’ career passing leader before leaving early for the NFL.

With Rosen officially tabbed as the man to lead the 13th-ranked Bruins, all eyes will be on the true freshman when UCLA opens its season September 5 against Virginia. “That’s what this staff will do”.

Mora told Neuheisel during their meeting this morning that he hoped he would see Neuheisel become the UCLA football coach in the future.

“I thought Josh handled the pressure better every day”, Mora said. “He is the epitome of a UCLA Bruin”. Don’t be surprised if people dub him a bust if he struggles after a game or two, but take my word, he has the talent to be something very special.

“He was able to compete in our winter conditioning program; he was able to participate in spring practice”, Mora said, per Sports Illustrated’s Colin Becht. “He’s extremely disappointed. He’s worked very, very hard”.

UCLA will have an experienced group around Rosen, with all five starters back across the offensive line, and the Pac-12 Conference’s leading rusher last season, Paul Perkins, in the backfield.