Josh Rosen Named UCLA Starting QB: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

Following a heated quarterback competition, the UCLA Bruins have decided to let a fresh face command the team's offense.

Head coach Jim Mora announced Wednesday night that true freshman Josh Rosen will be the team's starting signal-caller, according to UCLA Football on Twitter.  

Rosen had been jockeying with the option of starting redshirt junior Jerry Neuheisel after Brett Hundley bolted for the NFL following the 2014 season.

Mora spoke highly of Neuheisel during his meeting with reporters, according to the Los Angeles Daily News' Jack Wang: 

During the 2013 and 2014 seasons, Neuheisel completed 37 of 52 passes for 318 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in spot duty. 

But now the spotlight will shift to Rosen, who arrived at UCLA as a 5-star prospect and the top-rated pro-style signal-caller in his class, per 247Sports. 

On Aug. 21, Mora discussed the strides Rosen has made since arriving in Los Angeles. 

"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. "There’s a certain comfort level that he’s gained from being able to do that, and then there’s a certain level of confidence that his teammates have in him because they’ve been able to get to know him and watch him perform and compete."

Speaking on Aug. 25, offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone made it clear the team wasn't looking to implement a system that embraced a rotation under center. 

"I’m not a two-quarterback guy," Mazzone said, according to the Orange County Register's Joey Kaufman. "I never have been. Whoever is our guy, when he’s out there, he’s our guy, and you have to go through the good times and the bad times." 

As UCLA seeks to secure a third straight 10-win season and just the 10th such campaign in program history, Rosen will be tasked with commanding an offense that's loaded with promise and a few question marks. 

"It will be interesting to see if UCLA can live up to the hype while also dealing with the bumps in the road that come with playing a true freshman at the most important position on the field," CBSSports.com's Tom Fornelli wrote.  

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 Sept. 5 against Virginia.