UCLA coach Jim Mora didn't need to wait until Aug. 16 -- the deadline he previously gave reporters -- to name a starting QB.
Mora tapped touted redshirt freshman Brett Hundley the winner of the Bruins' four-way competition on Friday, prevailing over senior veterans Kevin Prince and Richard Brehaut and Jerry Neuheisel.
"All four quarterbacks have raised their level of play significantly since my staff and I took over, and we are excited about all of them," Mora said in a statement from the school. "That said, Brett has consistently demonstrated the qualities we value in a starting quarterback and is an outstanding leader who commands the respect of his teammates. He has shown excellent decision-making skills, and his accuracy and timing continue to improve with each practice. In addition, he has shown the mobility and creativity needed when a play breaks down."
Prince had started 26 games and Brehaut 11, but Hundley's upside was difficult to ignore and it has seemed clear since the start of preseason camp that he was the leader. Mora and offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone also know that they have two veteran backups if Hundley gets hurt or struggles. It wasn't revealed who Hundley's backup is.
This leaves the Pac-12 with four teams without starting QBs. Arizona State, Colorado, Oregon and Stanford still have unresolved competitions.