UCLA’s 2025 season has gone off the rails quickly. After landing QB Nico Iamaleava in the transfer portal this spring from Tennessee, expectations were that the Bruins could compete in the Big Ten. Instead, they have stumbled to a 0-2 start following Saturday’s loss to UNLV.
To make matters worse, backup quarterback Pierce Clarkson has been suspended following an arrest. Head coach DeShaun Foster recently updated the media on the situation.
DeShaun Foster Addresses Pierce Clarkson Suspension
As first reported by the Los Angeles Times, UCLA backup QB Pierce Clarkson was arrested and booked on Friday, September 5, on suspicion of felony assault with a deadly weapon. His bail was set at $30,000, and his court hearing is scheduled for October 3.
Head coach DeShaun Foster suspended Clarkson indefinitely following the arrest. Speaking to reporters, Foster said he cannot provide further updates until the legal process is resolved.
What UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster had to say about the situation involving reserve QB Pierce Clarkson after this morning’s practice pic.twitter.com/GuqUb2epEM
— Tracy McDannald 📎 (@Tracy_McDannald) September 8, 2025
“I can’t really address that issue due to the legal process and everything,” Foster said. “But, I understand you guys have to ask, but it’s just a situation where we’re going to let the legal process take its course.”
Foster noted that Clarkson isn’t allowed to attend any Bruins events or practices. ESPN quoted the statement, in which the university explained that it would evaluate the situation and take action if necessary.
“This situation will be evaluated by the UCLA Office of Student Conduct and any further action taken will be in accordance with that evaluation and University policy,” UCLA said.
Understandably, Foster cannot comment further, given that one of his players is facing a potential felony charge. However, fans have not taken the news lightly, with many criticizing Foster for a perceived lack of discipline within the program.
Clarkson was a four-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class. 247Sports’ composite rankings listed him as the No. 25 quarterback and No. 351 overall player in the cycle.
He committed to Louisville out of St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, California, but after limited playing time with the Cardinals in 2023 and 2024, he entered the transfer portal this offseason and ultimately committed to UCLA.
Clarkson was slated to be Iamaleava’s backup this season, but he was absent for UCLA’s game against UNLV on Saturday, leaving fans to wonder why. His absence was now clearly related to the ongoing legal situation, which Foster and the university continue to navigate.
For now, fans and reporters must wait for full details on the Clarkson situation. Based on Foster’s comments, it seems highly unlikely that the quarterback will be on the field for UCLA’s next game when they take on New Mexico on Friday, September 12.
