UCLA’s football program is entering a pivotal 2026 season under new head coach Bob Chesney, who has undertaken a massive overhaul of the roster.
A New Era for UCLA Football
The Bruins concluded the prior campaign with a 3‑9 record and a 3‑6 mark in conference play, a performance that ultimately cost DeShaun Foster his job after a winless opening stretch.
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava endured a difficult year, compiling fewer than 2,000 passing yards while throwing 13 touchdowns against seven interceptions, underscoring the urgency for offensive upgrades.
Key Additions
To address the shortcomings, Chesney has infused the squad with 45 newcomers, among them standout running back Wayne Knight, top receiver Landon Ellis and offensive lineman Jordan Davis, each bringing proven production from recent successful programs.
Knight, a redshirt junior who excelled at James Madison, logged 1,373 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 207 carries, offering a potent ground attack that the Bruins lacked last season.
Ellis, the leading pass catcher for the Dukes, contributed 624 receiving yards and five scores, promising to stretch the field and provide a reliable outlet for Iamaleava.
Jordan Davis, an offensive lineman who recovered from injury at South Alabama, was a cornerstone of a top‑20 rushing offense and now aims to fortify the Bruins’ line, improving both run blocking and pass protection.
What This Means for the Bruins
The additions are expected to transform a unit that was sacked 27 times and struggled in the trenches, positioning UCLA to compete more effectively in the Pac‑12 and beyond.