New UCLA head coach Bob Chesney is attempting a massive rebuild in Westwood, bringing a proven winning culture and key transfers from James Madison. After a dismal 2025 season, the Bruins are betting on Chesney's track record of success at smaller programs to spark a turnaround similar to Curt Cignetti's legendary run at Indiana.
Can the James Madison Blueprint Work at UCLA?
Curt Cignetti pulled off the greatest turnaround job in the history of college football, and maybe American sports, by taking Indiana to the top. He did it by bringing a slew of the best players with him from James Madison. Now, UCLA is hoping lightning strikes twice.
Bob Chesney wins everywhere he coaches. He won at Salve Regina in Rhode Island. He won at Assumption in Massachusetts. He won big at Holy Cross, and he took James Madison to the College Football Playoff in his second season with the Dukes. In his 16 years as a head coach, Chesney has just one losing season, a 5-6 campaign in his first year at Holy Cross.
UCLA had nine losing seasons in the last 16 years and is coming off one of the worst campaigns in the program's history. Like Cignetti did, Chesney is bringing in productive veterans who know how to win. This is a much needed culture shift for a place that went 8-16 in its first two seasons in the Big Ten.
How Will the UCLA Offense Improve in 2026?
The UCLA offense was historically bad in 2025. Minnesota and Wisconsin were the only Big Ten teams with worse offenses. UCLA managed more than 21 points just three times and scored more than 14 points in only five games. The 218 points scored were the fewest since the 2008 team put up 212.
Things are about to change. Offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy made the move to UCLA after spending the last two years under Chesney at James Madison. His attack finished 15th in the nation in yards and ninth in scoring.
The James Madison talents coming over will make an immediate impact. Running back Wayne Knight ran for close to 1,400 yards and nine touchdowns, and caught 40 passes. He is the workhorse the offense desperately needed. All-Sun Belt blockers Riley Robell at center and guard Carter Sweazie, All-Sun Belt wide receiver Landon Ellis, and tight end Josh Phifer are all ready to work.
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava kept his roster spot. For all the criticism he took for leaving Tennessee for UCLA, he did what he could for an offense that lacked talent. Now he has the supporting cast to turn it loose.
What Does the UCLA Defense Need to Fix?
Former Dukes defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler takes over the same role with the Bruins. His James Madison defense finished fifth in the nation in total defense, 13th in scoring defense, and was a rock against the run, allowing just 85 yards per game.
The defensive line just got a desperately needed overhaul. After finishing dead last in the nation with just ten sacks, in comes the James Madison end combination of Sahir West and Aiden Gobaria. Those two combined for 12 sacks. Cal transfer Ryan McCulloch is a solid option for the rotation.
The linebacking corps got an upgrade with Sammy Omosigho from Oklahoma, a 6-2, 239-pound veteran who will get into the backfield. The secondary is loaded with experienced players, including versatile All-Sun Belt playmaker DJ Barksdale, holdovers Roderick Pleasant and Scooter Jackson at corner, and safety Cole Martin. Utah transfer Tao Johnson adds even more depth.
The biggest concern is defensive tackle, where the team lacks real experience. Ohio State transfer Maxwell Roy has all the upside, and Cal's Tyson Ford has seen limited action, but they need to grow up fast. The Bruins also have to fix their third down defense, which allowed opponents to convert 54.8% of the time, the worst rate in college football since 2020.
How Does the 2026 Schedule Affect Iowa Fans?
For Iowa fans looking at the Big Ten landscape, UCLA presents an interesting case study. The good news for the Hawkeyes is that UCLA does not appear on the 2026 schedule. UCLA misses Indiana, Ohio State, Penn State, Iowa, and Washington this season.
UCLA's toughest tests come against USC, at Michigan, and at Oregon. If the Bruins are any good, they should be able to win at least five of their other nine games against opponents like Cal, San Diego State, Purdue, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Nevada, Illinois, Minnesota, and Maryland.
The biggest game for UCLA comes on September 5 at Cal. Winning in Berkeley against a jacked up Cal team starting its own new coaching era would instantly show that UCLA is poised to be a problem in the conference.
Frequently Asked Questions About UCLA Football 2026
Who is UCLA's new head coach?
Bob Chesney is the new head coach, hired from James Madison where he led the Dukes to the College Football Playoff in his second season.
Does UCLA play Iowa in 2026?
No, UCLA does not face the Iowa Hawkeyes during the 2026 regular season schedule.
Who is the key transfer for UCLA's offense?
Running back Wayne Knight is the key addition, rushing for nearly 1,400 yards and catching 40 passes at James Madison last season.
What is UCLA's 2026 season prediction?
Analysts predict a 6-6 finish, making the Bruins bowl eligible in Chesney's first year, though a better season is possible if the team gels quickly.