UCLA Football: Five offensive key players returning next season

Let's take a look a five key players on the offensive side of the ball who are returning to Westwood for UCLA and look to help the Bruins in their first year in the Big Ten conference for the 2024 season.

J. Michael Sturdivant announced that he is returning to UCLA instead of entering the 2024 draft.

UCLA Profile: https://uclabruins.com/sports/football/roster/jmichael-sturdivant/12741

247 Sports Player Profile: https://247sports.com/player/j-michael-sturdivant-46083117/

Keegan Jones had intended to transfer to UConn but he has withdrawn his name from the Transfer Portal and returning to UCLA for his final season.

UCLA Profile: https://uclabruins.com/sports/football/roster/keegan-jones/12673

After their victory in the LA Bowl, he said that he will return next season for one more season.

ESPN Profile: https://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4429068/ethan-garbers

The former Oregon Ducks transfer looks to expand his role in Chip Kelly's offense for the 2024 season.

UCLA Profile: https://uclabruins.com/sports/football/roster/moliki-matavao/12729

Harden played well last season in helping UCLA defeat USC and Boise State by combining for 247 yards rushing with three touchdowns.

UCLA Profile: https://uclabruins.com/sports/football/roster/t.j.-harden/12662

Many UCLA fans may disagree but on paper, Coach Kelly has been steadily building UCLA back into a contender as they enter their first season in the Big Ten. Kelly and UCLA had a record of 8-4 in 2021, an 8-5 season in 2023, and a 9-4 record in 2022. With another year under his belt, expect even more refinement of his up-tempo offense and for UCLA fans, Kelly hopes to take the Bruins to the next level and potentially a playoff team in 2024.

The Bruins will have experience on offense returning for the 2024 season. Quarterback Ethan Garbers returns after a solid 2023 campaign, and key skill players like running back TJ Harden and wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant are back for another year. UCLA has a difficult schedule for 2024, but the offense should help them to victories in the Bruins's first year in the Big Ten.

While their final Pac-12 season will be bittersweet, the Bruins should be excited about the new challenge of joining the Big Ten in 2024.

UCLA football in 2024 promises to be in one way or another an exciting ride. The Bruins do have a relatively talented roster, an experienced coach, and a new conference, and the fans not only hope but expect and demand that the Bruins have a big year in 2024. Whether they can capitalize on their potential and compete for a Big Ten title remains to be seen, but one thing's for sure: UCLA football has high expectations entering the 2024 season, and it's going to be fun to watch.