Garbers did not take a single snap for Washington as a freshman in 2020.[5] After the conclusion of the season, he entered the NCAA transfer portal.[6][7]
UCLA
Garbers transferred to the University of California, Los Angeles, to continue his college career.[8][9] In week 10 of the 2021 season, Garbers made his first career start, where he completed 27 of his 44 passes for 265 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, but the Bruins fell to Utah 44–24.[10][11] Garbers finished the 2021 season going 31 for 51 on his passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns to two interceptions.[12] In 2022 Garbers went 26 for 37 on passing attempts for 294 yards and two touchdowns to two interceptions.[13] In 2023, Garbers was named the starting quarterback for UCLA's season opener against Coastal Carolina, beating out Dante Moore and Collin Schlee.[14][15]