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DeShaun Foster continues to struggle in CBS Sports Big Ten Coach Rankings | Sporting News

Deshaun Foster's Uphill Battle: Low Ranking in Big Ten Coach Hierarchy Highlights UCLA's Challenges

In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, where conference realignments and coaching carousels dominate headlines, Deshaun Foster finds himself in a precarious position as the new head coach of the UCLA Bruins. A recent ranking by CBS Sports of Big Ten football coaches has placed Foster near the bottom of the pack, underscoring the steep challenges he faces in leading UCLA into its inaugural season in the expanded Big Ten Conference. This assessment comes at a time when the program is navigating significant transitions, from geographical shifts to roster uncertainties, and Foster's own inexperience in the head coaching role has amplified concerns about the Bruins' immediate future.

Foster, a former UCLA running back who enjoyed a successful NFL career before returning to his alma mater as a coach, was elevated to the head position following Chip Kelly's abrupt departure to Ohio State as offensive coordinator. Kelly's exit left a void at UCLA, and the university opted for continuity by promoting Foster from his role as running backs coach. At 44 years old, Foster brings a wealth of playing experience—he rushed for over 3,000 yards during his UCLA tenure and played seven seasons in the NFL with teams like the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers. His coaching resume includes stints at UCLA, where he helped develop talents like Zach Charbonnet and Joshua Kelley, both of whom went on to the pros. However, this is Foster's first head coaching gig at any level, a fact that has not gone unnoticed in evaluations like the one from CBS Sports.

The CBS Sports ranking, compiled by veteran analyst Tom Fornelli, places Foster at No. 17 out of 18 Big Ten head coaches. Only Purdue's Ryan Walters, who is coming off a dismal 4-8 season in his debut year, ranks below him. At the top of the list sits established names like Ohio State's Ryan Day, Oregon's Dan Lanning, and Penn State's James Franklin, coaches who have built reputations through consistent success, playoff appearances, and adept handling of modern college football's complexities, including the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Foster's low placement is not merely a reflection of his novice status but also stems from a series of public missteps that have raised eyebrows about his readiness for the spotlight.

One of the most talked-about incidents occurred during the Big Ten Media Days in Indianapolis, an event designed to showcase coaches and generate buzz for the upcoming season. Foster's performance was widely panned as awkward and unprepared. He appeared visibly uncomfortable, stumbling through responses and even admitting on stage that he was "just happy to be here talking with you guys." This moment went viral, drawing comparisons to less polished figures in coaching and fueling memes across social media. Critics argue that in an era where coaches must be charismatic recruiters, media-savvy spokespeople, and strategic masterminds, Foster's debut suggested a lack of polish that could hinder UCLA's ability to attract top talent. Fornelli's analysis in the CBS ranking echoed this sentiment, noting that while Foster has strong ties to UCLA and a proven track record in player development, his inexperience and public struggles make him a wildcard in a conference stacked with coaching heavyweights.

UCLA's move to the Big Ten adds another layer of complexity to Foster's challenges. The Bruins, long a staple of the Pac-12, are now thrust into a conference dominated by Midwestern powerhouses with massive fan bases, brutal weather conditions, and a style of play that emphasizes physicality over the finesse often seen on the West Coast. Travel logistics alone will be daunting—UCLA's road games could involve cross-country flights to places like Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, potentially leading to fatigue and performance dips. The program is also dealing with the aftermath of Kelly's tenure, which saw flashes of brilliance (like a 10-4 season in 2021) but also inconsistency, culminating in an 8-5 record last year. Roster turnover has been significant, with key players departing via the transfer portal, and UCLA's recruiting has lagged behind Big Ten elites. Foster inherits a team that finished unranked last season and must now compete against the likes of Michigan, the defending national champions, and USC, their crosstown rivals who also joined the Big Ten.

Despite these hurdles, there are reasons for optimism surrounding Foster. His deep connection to UCLA cannot be overstated; as a Bruin legend, he embodies the program's history and culture, which could foster loyalty among players and alumni. During his time as running backs coach, UCLA's ground game was often a strength, and Foster's emphasis on a tough, run-oriented offense aligns well with Big Ten traditions. He has assembled a coaching staff that includes experienced assistants like Eric Bieniemy, a former NFL offensive coordinator who brings schematic expertise from his time with the Kansas City Chiefs. Bieniemy's presence could be a game-changer, providing Foster with a sounding board and helping to mitigate some of the head coach's inexperience.

Moreover, Foster has been vocal about his vision for the program, stressing player development, discipline, and a return to UCLA's roots of producing NFL-caliber talent. In interviews following the media day debacle, he has acknowledged the need to improve his public persona, viewing it as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. "I'm not a big talker," Foster has said, "but I'll let our play on the field do the talking." This mindset resonates with old-school football purists, but in today's media-driven environment, it might not suffice. The Big Ten is not just a football conference; it's a brand, and coaches like Nebraska's Matt Rhule or Wisconsin's Luke Fickell have thrived by mastering the art of narrative-building.

The broader context of college football's changes also plays into Foster's narrative. With the conference expanding to 18 teams, including fellow Pac-12 transplants like Oregon, Washington, and USC, the competitive balance is shifting. UCLA, historically a basketball school with football as a secondary focus, must now elevate its gridiron profile to avoid being overshadowed. Financially, the move to the Big Ten promises larger media rights deals, which could bolster NIL resources and facilities, but it also heightens expectations. A poor start could lead to fan discontent and pressure from boosters, especially in a city like Los Angeles where distractions abound.

Analysts like Fornelli suggest that Foster's ranking could improve with on-field success. If UCLA can pull off upsets—say, against LSU in their season opener or in early Big Ten matchups against Indiana and Minnesota—it might quiet the doubters. The Bruins' schedule is unforgiving, featuring road trips to Penn State and Michigan, but it also includes winnable games that could build momentum. Foster's ability to adapt, recruit effectively (UCLA's 2024 class ranks in the top 40 nationally), and navigate the transfer portal will be crucial. He's already made strides by retaining key players like quarterback Ethan Garbers and adding transfers to bolster the defense.

In comparison to other first-year coaches, Foster's situation draws parallels to figures like Deion Sanders at Colorado, who turned heads with charisma despite initial struggles, or Lincoln Riley at USC, who leveraged his offensive genius to immediate effect. Foster lacks Sanders' flair or Riley's resume, but his authenticity could endear him to a fanbase weary of Kelly's aloof style. Still, the CBS ranking serves as a stark reminder that perception matters in college football. A No. 17 spot isn't just a number; it's a narrative that opponents will exploit in recruiting battles, whispering to prospects about instability at UCLA.

Looking ahead, the 2024 season will be a litmus test for Foster. Success might not mean a conference title— that's a tall order in year one—but bowl eligibility and competitive showings against top teams could elevate his standing. Failure, however, could perpetuate the cycle of coaching turnover that has plagued UCLA since the Karl Dorrell era. Foster's journey is emblematic of the risks programs take when promoting from within: the potential for seamless transition versus the pitfalls of unproven leadership.

Ultimately, Deshaun Foster's low ranking in the CBS Sports Big Ten coach hierarchy is more than a preseason slight; it's a call to action for a coach determined to prove his mettle. As UCLA embarks on this new chapter, Foster's ability to overcome his "continued struggles"—from media mishaps to conference acclimation—will determine whether he climbs the ranks or becomes another cautionary tale in the high-stakes world of college football. The Bruins' faithful hope that Foster's player-first approach and Bruin blood will translate to victories, turning skepticism into acclaim in the rugged Big Ten arena. (Word count: 1,248)

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