Key Additions and Returnees
Under head coach Bob Chesney, UCLA is aiming to improve upon a 12th‑place preseason finish in the Big Ten, a position the program hopes to reverse through strategic roster moves.
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava returns after a season that produced under 2,000 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and seven interceptions, and the coaching staff believes a full offseason of development will restore his form.
Veteran offensive lineman Eugene Brooks remains a cornerstone of the line, providing stability as the Bruins look to boost their rushing attack.
Defensively, edge rusher Sahir West arrives from James Madison, where he recorded seven sacks last year, bringing a pass‑rush threat that the Bruins lacked in the previous campaign.
Running back Wayne Knight, also a transfer from James Madison, adds depth and versatility to the backfield, giving the offense another weapon in short‑yardage and goal‑line situations.
The excitement extends to the recruiting arena, where analyst Ari Wasserman of On3 highlights the 11th‑ranked transfer class as a sign of rising momentum for the program.
Even as the 2026 high school recruiting class sits at No. 65 in the Rivals rankings and No. 62 in the 247Sports composite, the coaching staff views the incoming talent as a long‑term foundation for future success.