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· collected 2026-08-18 · by Beth Harris The Associated Press
New UCLA coach Bob Chesney has taken over a program that finished with a 3-9 record in 2025, and is aiming to turn things around with the addition of 62 new players, including 42 transfers. Chesney's reputation as a successful coach is well-known, having posted a winning record in all but one of his 16 seasons. The team will be led by quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who had a promising first season and is looking to regain confidence under the new coaching staff. The Bruins' defense was a weakness last year, allowing 387.0 yards per game, and Chesney has brought in four players from James Madison's top-ranked defensive unit to try to improve it.
Written by the local model on 2026-08-18,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
same event (that is the story summary below).
Story summary
UCLA's football program has entered a new era under coach Bob Chesney, who has brought in a significant roster makeover with 62 new players, including 42 transfers. Chesney comes from James Madison, where he posted a winning record in all but one of his 16 seasons as head coach. He has high hopes for the team, despite their disappointing 3-9 record in 2025. One key player to watch is quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who had an impressive season last year with 1,928 passing yards and 505 rushing yards, including 17 total touchdowns. Chesney's plan includes revamping the offense, which was a weakness for UCLA last year, with the help of three new transfers from James Madison: Riley Robell, Carter Sweazie, and JD Raymer. The new coaching staff has already shown its potential to boost attendance at the Rose Bowl, which has been struggling lately.
Written for “UCLA Football Season Hopes” on 2026-08-31,
grounded in this article and the 0 other(s) covering the same event.
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No political leaning scored for article 976 · logged 2026-08-25
UCLA
LOS ANGELES (AP) — 2025 record: 3-9
Expectations
New coach Bob Chesney has stirred up anticipation and excitement around a program that has nosedived in recent years.
asserted
that → stir → years
Coming from James Madison, he signed 62 new players, including 42 transfers, while his high-energy personality helped keep several Bruins in the fold.
asserted
personality → come → fold
Chesney’s reputation is well-known, having posted a winning record in all but one of his 16 seasons.
asserted
reputation → know → seasons
He’s gone out of his way to appeal to longtime Bruins fans and campus groups in an effort to bolster lagging attendance at the Rose Bowl.
asserted
He → go → Bowl
QB Nico Iamaleava will be looking to keep his confidence going under a new coaching staff.
asserted
Iamaleava → look → staff
Strengths include a veteran quarterback
Coming off a rough first season in Westwood, Iamaleava immediately bought into the plans of Chesney and new offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy.
asserted
Iamaleava → include → Chesney
The duo brought along three offensive linemen from James Madison who should better protect Iamaleava, who got little help last year.
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who → bring → help
He had 1,928 passing yards and 505 rushing yards — leading the team — to go with 17 total touchdowns.
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He → have → touchdowns
Iamaleava is looking to revive the excitement that surrounded him at Tennessee before he transferred home to UCLA and lost his head coach and both coordinators after an 0-3 start.
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he → look → start
Weaknesses include offensive, defensive lines
The offense is bolstered by those three James Madison transfers: All-Sun Belt selections Riley Robell and Carter Sweazie, along with JD Raymer.
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offense → include → Raymer
But the Bruins lost three starters on the offensive line.
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Bruins → lose → line
New defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler’s focus is on improving a unit that allowed 387.0 yards per game last season.
asserted
that → improve → game
The James Madison import brought along four players from a unit that ranked fifth nationally at 266.6 yards per game allowed.
asserted
that → bring → game
The Bruins’ defense managed just 10 sacks and 40 tackles for loss last season —- both worst in the FBS.
asserted
both → manage → FBS
