The UCLA Bruins will kick off their 2025 football season on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. PDT, traveling to face California in a road showdown that marks the beginning of coach Bob Chesney’s tenure after Martin Jarmond’s departure.
A New Era for UCLA Football
Chesney inherits a program that endured a turbulent year, highlighted by the abrupt end of the Pacific-12 Conference and lingering financial challenges that defined Martin Jarmond’s reign, while the 2024 defense posted a winless start after losing its first three games.
At the forefront of the offensive push, former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava returns as the Bruins’ starter, bringing experience from his previous college career and a reputation for poise under pressure.
To aid the new coaching staff, former NFL quarterback Derek Carr has been named a special advisor, offering strategic insight and leadership guidance aimed at sharpening UCLA’s attack.
Special teams have also been singled out as a priority, with the coaching staff emphasizing precision in kicking, coverage and return units as key components for gaining early field position in the opener.
While the defense still seeks stability, the combination of seasoned leadership, Iamaleava’s familiarity with the system and Carr’s professional perspective offers a promising outlook as the Bruins aim to rebound from last season’s early setbacks.