Report: UCLA receiver J. Michael Sturdivant to replace LB Oluwafemi Oladejo at Big Ten Media Days
UCLA linebacker Oluwafemi Oladejo will not be in attendance at the 2024 Big Ten Media Days on Wednesday due to a scheduling conflict, per Los Angeles Times reporter Ben Bolch. UCLA wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant will take his place. He will be joined by defensive tackle Jay Toia and quarterback Ethan Garbers.
Sturdivant is entering his redshirt junior season and second year with the Bruins. He transferred to UCLA ahead of the 2023 campaign. Sturdivant appeared in all 13 games and made 10 starts in his debut season with the Bruins.
He tallied 36 receptions for 597 yards and four touchdowns. Sturdivant was remarkably consistent, recording at least one catch in every one of the Bruins’ games. Additionally, Sturdivant averaged 16.5 yards per catch, the sixth-most in the Pac-12.
UCLA entering a new era
Of course, the Bruins won’t be in the Pac-12 in 2024. This summer, UCLA, along with Oregon, Washington and USC, officially joined the Big Ten. New head coach DeShaun Foster will lead the Bruins into the new era. He couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity.
“This is a dream come true,” Foster said. “I always envisioned being a Bruin ever since I was young, and now being the head coach at my alma mater is such a surreal feeling, and I’m grateful for this opportunity. The foundation of this program will be built on discipline, respect and enthusiasm. These are phenomenal young men, and I’m excited to hit the ground running.”
Foster spent the past seven seasons as the Bruins’ running backs coach and served as associate head coach in 2023. In 2022, he was a nominee for the Broyles Award, presented annually to college football’s top assistant coach.
UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond believes Foster is the best man to replace former head coach Chip Kelly, who joined Ohio State‘s staff this offseason.
“While undergoing a comprehensive search for our new head coach, DeShaun resonated from the start and throughout the whole process,” said Jarmond. “We are looking for a coach with integrity, energy and passion; someone who is a great teacher, who develops young men, is a great recruiter and fully embraces the NIL landscape to help our student-athletes.
“DeShaun checks all of those boxes and then some. He is a leader of men and a true Bruin. I am excited to partner with him as we usher UCLA Football into an exciting new era.”