Luke Duncan’s Unexpected Debut Offers a Glimpse of Potential for UCLA’s Future
Thrown into the fire against the top defense in the country, in one of college football’s most hostile environments, sophomore quarterback Luke Duncan made his first collegiate pass - and start - under circumstances that most young signal-callers only face in nightmares. With Nico Iamaleava sidelined due to a concussion, Duncan was tapped to lead the Bruins into Columbus to face Ohio State.
No warm-up games. No easing in.
Just a trial by fire in front of 100,000-plus.
And while the start was understandably shaky, Duncan didn’t fold. He settled in, found a rhythm late, and led a few scoring drives that gave UCLA fans something to think about heading into the offseason.
The Bruins’ game plan that night leaned heavily on caution - a conservative approach, especially early on, and for good reason. UCLA was dealing with injuries on the offensive line, and asking a quarterback with zero collegiate experience to go toe-to-toe with Ohio State’s front seven is a tall order.
But Duncan handled it with surprising poise. He looked composed, didn’t appear overwhelmed by the moment, and showed flashes of what could be a promising college career if things break his way.
One of those flashes came on UCLA’s longest play of the night - and their longest pass play of the season - when Duncan connected with Rico Flores Jr. for a 51-yard strike down to the Buckeyes’ 19-yard line. It was the kind of throw that turns heads - not just because of the distance, but because of the confidence and timing it required. That moment, more than any other, hinted at what Duncan might become with more reps and the right development.
Duncan’s opportunities this season were limited, but he made them count. Outside of the Ohio State game, he saw some action late against Washington and looked more comfortable.
He went 5-of-11 for 81 yards and a touchdown in that game, showing improved timing and decision-making. For the season, Duncan completed 21 of 34 passes (61.8%) for 235 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.
His passer rating finished at 139.2, with a QBR of 76.2 - solid numbers considering the limited sample size and the caliber of defenses he faced.
One of his best throws of the year came in that Washington game - a 37-yard touchdown strike to Mikey Matthews. The pass was on the money, and more importantly, it showed Duncan’s growing confidence in reading coverages and trusting his arm.
Now, as UCLA transitions into a new era under head coach Bob Chesney, the quarterback room will be one of the more intriguing storylines to watch. If Iamaleava returns, he’s likely the starter.
But if he decides to transfer - and Chesney doesn’t land a proven QB in the portal - Duncan could find himself in the mix for the starting job. That scenario may be a long shot, but it’s not off the table.
What we do know is this: Duncan passed his first big test. The numbers won’t jump off the page, but the context matters.
He stepped into the most difficult situation imaginable and showed he belongs on the field. Whether that leads to a starting role at UCLA or elsewhere, Duncan’s brief but telling audition this season has put him on the radar - and given the Bruins a reason to keep a close eye on his development.