A Fresh Start in Irvine
UCLA Football has relocated its preseason camp to the Great Park Sports Complex in Irvine, stepping away from the familiar campus environment for a focused stretch of training that includes team bonding activities and strategic drills.
Head coach Bob Chesney is using the extended stay to lay the groundwork for what he hopes will be the most cohesive unit he has ever assembled, emphasizing procedural precision that often decides close games.
The staff has brought in former NFL quarterback Derek Carr as a special advisor, tapping his 11‑year professional experience — including four Pro Bowl selections and over 41,000 passing yards — to fine‑tune the offense and mentor younger players.
Among the standout performers, running back Wayne Knight, a fifth‑year transfer from James Madison, has already posted a school‑record 2,039 all‑purpose yards and earned Second Team All‑American honors, while defensive lineman Darold DeNgohe, who thrived under Chesney last season, brings energy and morale to the line.
Beyond drills, the team has embraced bonding activities such as a beach outing and a communal cookout, using shared meals and bus rides to deepen relationships that translate into on‑field chemistry.
With the offensive line showing strength in pass protection and run blocking, and the defense consistently challenging every rep, the Bruins are aiming to translate their improved cohesion into a strong start when the season opener arrives.