A fresh start in Pasadena
The UCLA Bruins football program entered the 2025 season with high hopes, only to finish with a 3‑9 record that left the team without a winning campaign in their inaugural Big Ten campaign. The disappointment was palpable, but the offseason brought a decisive change: veteran coach Bob Chesney was hired to restore confidence and competitiveness.
Chesney arrives from James Madison, where he guided the Dukes to a dominant run in the Sun Belt Conference. His reputation for developing talent and orchestrating aggressive defenses made him the obvious choice to overhaul a unit that struggled to find rhythm a year ago.
Key pieces returning to the fold
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who posted 13 touchdowns against seven interceptions in his junior year, is expected to benefit from Chesney’s play‑calling. The coaching staff believes a more balanced attack and improved protection will unlock the quarterback’s full potential. Meanwhile, safety Cole Martin returns as a defensive anchor, having recorded 65 tackles, 3.5 for loss, three passes defended and an interception in 2025.
Martin’s presence in the secondary should add stability to a defense that has been inconsistent against Power Five opponents. Alongside him, younger players are competing for starting roles, creating a sense of depth that was absent in the previous season.
A challenging slate ahead
The 2026 schedule features a mix of familiar foes and new challenges. UCLA will open against San Diego State before traveling to face Purdue, Nevada and Illinois. The marquee matchup remains the annual clash with USC, a rivalry that adds extra intensity to the season. Each game will test the Bruins’ ability to translate preseason optimism into on‑field results.
While the road ahead is tough, the team’s leadership believes that a winning record is within reach. If the offense clicks and the defense tightens, the Bruins could finally break the streak of winless seasons in the Big Ten and give their fans something to celebrate.