
Mateen Bhaghani’s Journey and UCLA’s Revival
A deep dive into Mateen Bhaghani’s rise as a top college kicker, his impact on UCLA’s special teams, and the team’s hopes for a turnaround in the upcoming season.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Bob Chesney across Football, Basketball.

A deep dive into Mateen Bhaghani’s rise as a top college kicker, his impact on UCLA’s special teams, and the team’s hopes for a turnaround in the upcoming season.

Coach Bob Chesney has assembled a revamped Bruins squad, adding 45 players including running back Wayne Knight, receiver Landon Ellis and offensive lineman Jordan Davis, hoping to improve a struggling offense and protect quarterback Nico Iamaleava.

The Bruins are betting on veteran coach Bob Chesney, a handful of proven transfers, and the return of quarterback Nico Iamaleava to rewrite their Big Ten narrative and secure a postseason berth.

From a 3‑star recruit in Bellflower to a team leader under his fourth head coach, Jalen Woods embodies the resilience and ambition of UCLA football.

A new coaching staff, key transfers and a modest win projection set the stage for UCLA’s attempt to break out of its recent slump and return to postseason play.

Leland Smith, a Houston‑born receiver with a winding college career, is poised to become a key contributor for UCLA’s offense.

A look at the parallels between the expanded World Cup and the proposed College Football Playoff, the implications for top programs, and the upcoming storylines shaping the season.

The Badgers' 2026 slate has been ordered from easiest to hardest, but the real story lies in which games will decide whether the season is remembered as a breakthrough or a missed opportunity.

The Badgers face a demanding 2026 slate, highlighted by contests against Maryland, Michigan State, UCLA and Minnesota. This article ranks the challenges, examines key opponents, and spotlights the coaches and players whose performances could define Wisconsin's season.

A look at how Purdue's fresh talent and UCLA's hiring of Bob Chesney could shift the balance in college football's defensive landscapes.

From defensive stalwarts to dynamic playmakers, the latest wave of transfers brings experience and star power to the Big Ten.

Jordan Davis, once a low‑rated high school recruit, is now expected to transform UCLA's struggling offensive line and boost the Bruins' attack.

A former top recruit from Virginia, Aiden Gobaira overcame injuries and a medical retirement before excelling at James Madison. Now at UCLA, his resilience and skill set are expected to reshape the Bruins’ defensive front for the upcoming season.

After a 3‑9 season and an 8‑16 record over two years, UCLA replaces DeShaun Foster with Bob Chesney, brings key players from James Madison and pins hopes on quarterback Nico Iamaleava’s growth, earning a B+ offseason grade from CBS Sports.

Several major college football programs have fired head coaches after disappointing seasons, paying hundreds of millions in buyouts, while new hires look to turn financial risk into future contention.

A look at the under-the-radar talent poised to make an impact for UCLA football this fall.

After a standout high school career and two seasons at California, Jaivian Thomas is looking to re‑establish his form under new UCLA head coach Bob Chesney, with transfer back Wayne Knight joining a revamped backfield.

The Gators earned a B‑plus grade in the 2026 transfer class rankings, outpacing Arkansas and Kentucky but trailing LSU, Auburn and Ole Miss. With new offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner and a handful of Georgia Tech alumni, Florida hopes to translate its mid‑tier rating into a breakout season.

Top prospect Eli Woodard will announce his college choice on June 30, with UCLA, USC and Cal among his final three. His blend of route precision, athleticism and red‑zone prowess could reshape the Bruins' offense.

UCLA’s defense struggled mightily in the previous season, ranking near the bottom of the Pac‑12 in both pass rush and run stopping. The Bruins allowed opponents to exploit gaps in the interior, a problem that forced head coach Bob Chesney to seek a rapid remedy. Enter Darold DeNgohe, a defensive tackle who arrived in Westwood after stints at Rutgers and James Madison University. After a season‑ending injury at Rutgers, DeNgohe is fully healthy and poised to contribute immediately. DeNgohe’s reputation rests on his ability to clog running lanes and generate pressure on the quarterback. At James Madison he recorded 28 total tackles, including six for loss, showcasing the blend of size and technique that Chesney values. The coaching staff supplemented the interior with several other James Madison alumni, a move that reflects a targeted strategy to rebuild the line from within. The influx of experienced players is expected to restore balance to a unit that has been inconsistent over the past year. If the new pieces click, UCLA could see a turnaround in its defensive statistics, giving the offense more breathing room and potentially reshaping the team’s overall competitiveness in the conference.

From an unranked high school recruit in Rock Hill, South Carolina, to a key defensive player for UCLA, DJ Barksdale’s journey blends elite high‑school accolades, a pivotal role in a College Football Playoff run, and a transfer that could reshape the Bruins’ secondary.

UCLA’s football program is set for a major transformation as the university announces a revamped coaching staff for the 2026 season. The changes come after a series of underwhelming performances in the Big Ten, where the Bruins have struggled to find rhythm on offense.

Analysts are evaluating how much talent first-year head coaches have assembled for the upcoming 2026 season, with Ole Miss topping the early grades.

Dante Lovett, a three‑star recruit from DeMatha High School, transfers from Virginia Tech to UCLA, bringing athleticism and experience to a secondary that struggled last year. Coaches Bob Chesney, Colin Hitschler and Eddie Whitley Jr. see him as a key piece to restore defensive strength alongside standout Scooter Jackson.