CHICAGO — As UCLA football prepares for the upcoming season, first-year head coach Bob Chesney is infusing the program with renewed energy and optimism despite the team’s recent struggles. Speaking Wednesday at the Big Ten football media days, Chesney emphasized a focus on effort and potential rather than setting specific outcome-based expectations for his debut season.
Chesney took over a Bruins team coming off one of its worst seasons in more than five decades, having finished 3-9 last year and sitting near the bottom of the conference standings. UCLA has only recorded a winning record in its first season under two previous coaches—Jim Mora and Terry Donahue—over the past 50 years. Reflecting on the challenge ahead, Chesney said, “Outcomes have to be earned,” and highlighted the importance of work and development as the foundation for future success.
Despite a preseason media poll projecting UCLA to finish 13th in the Big Ten—mirroring last season’s placing—Chesney’s tenure has already seen some positive changes. He quickly secured the commitment of quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who struggled with uncertainty last year due to transfer delays and coaching changes. Iamaleava praised Chesney’s leadership, describing his communication style as almost poetic and crediting him with instilling a new “winning mentality” within the team.
A notable shift under Chesney is UCLA’s emphasis on improving its rushing attack. The Bruins ranked near the bottom of the conference in running yards last season, with Iamaleava leading the team with just 505 yards on the ground and running back Jalen Berger contributing 364 yards. Chesney brings experience from his time at James Madison, where his rush-heavy offense ranked fifth nationally last season. He has brought running back Wayne Knight from James Madison, a highly productive back known for his efficiency and yards per carry, to bolster UCLA’s ground game. “There’ll be a commitment to playing that style of football,” Chesney said.
The offseason has also seen a surge in recruitment and donor support under Chesney’s leadership. The Bruins secured 45 transfers and landed a recruiting class ranked 11th nationally in the transfer portal, while UCLA currently holds a top-10 ranking for its 2027 recruiting class. Additionally, private donations to UCLA athletics increased by 80% over the last year, totaling more than $41 million, indicating renewed enthusiasm and investment in the program.
Chesney acknowledged that much of the transformation is still taking shape, describing the current state as “ultimately conceptual.” However, both players and staff sense a cultural shift. Iamaleava summarized the change, saying, “When Ches walks into a room, he just brings that winning mentality.” With the season approaching, the Bruins aim to translate this new energy and vision into on-field progress.