Longtime followers of UCLA football aren’t used to this sort of thing from the guy running the place.
Consider every coach going back to the early 2000s.
DeShaun Foster was muted. Chip Kelly was joyless. Jim Mora was erratic. Rick Neuheisel was a salesman. Karl Dorrell was dull.
He’s out here cloning himself in a video, doubling down on his ability seemingly to be everywhere at once while coaching, fundraising and representing his program.
He’s demanding that his players know who makes the omelettes inside the practice facility, a nod to embracing everyone who takes part in this journey. (His name’s Alan, by the way.)
He’s grabbing a microphone at a basketball game inside Pauley Pavilion, promising to win a Big Ten championship.
This is different. This feels like it could be special.
But the spring is just starting and the vibes are always positive this time of year. Will the sense of fun that UCLA’s new coach has infused into the program lead to anything meaningful?
Here are five questions facing the Bruins as they prepare to open spring practice on Thursday:
Still a name that triggers raised voices and balled fists at Tennessee a year after his abrupt springtime departure, Nico Iamaleava has quietly become a beloved Bruin.
While it’s hard to generate a groundswell of goodwill as the quarterback of a 3-9 team, Iamaleava deserves every morsel of praise.
He willingly faced reporters after every tough loss, patiently answering every question, and held together a locker room that could have easily fractured.
And let’s not forget his talent. Though his passing could be erratic, Iamaleava had the ability to be spectacular with both his arms and legs. Remember his doing it all in that glorious upset of Penn State?
A much stronger supporting cast – including a coach who might maximize his running ability – could help the redshirt junior achieve the desired breakthrough while rewarding him for his loyalty in remaining at UCLA.
Let’s face it, UCLA hasn’t had a decent offensive line since 2022.
That means it’s cycled through three coaches (including interim Tim Skipper) since then while being a major hindrance to a high-functioning offense.
Fortunately, Chesney has imported a slew of reinforcements to surround returning starters Eugene Brooks and Sam Yoon.
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The standout of the offensive line last season, Brooks will likely retain his starting job at guard. But there could be fierce competition at center given Yoon’s continuous problems making a clean snap.
Veteran South Alabama transfer Jordan Davis figures to start at one tackle spot. The other will likely be filled by the winner of what should be a robust competition between transfers Hall Schmidt, Michael McDonald, Zaheer Young and Mack Indestad plus returners Jaylan Jeffers and Jensen Somerville.
James Madison transfers Riley Robell and Carter Sweazie should compete with returner Julian Armella to start at the other guard spot opposite Brooks.
UCLA’s anemic pass rush last season was a primary culprit in a sagging defense.
The edge rushers combined for just 5½ sacks, a pitiful total that could be exceeded by several individuals in 2026.
Among those who could transform this defense are a pair of James Madison transfers in Sahir West – who tallied seven sacks last season – and Aiden Gobaira as well as newcomers Ryan McCulloch (previously at California), Dallin Havea (Utah Tech) and Amier Washington (Texas Tech).
Returning edge rushers Cole Cogshell and JuJu Walls will also compete for significant roles after showing promise. They could be joined by sophomore linebacker Scott Taylor, whose instincts and explosiveness make him a candidate to move to the edge.
One James Madison transfer who hasn’t received buzz proportional to his talent is Wayne Knight.
The 5-foot-7 running back possesses exceptional burst along with the sturdiness needed to become the featured ballcarrier. All of it was on display during his 110-yard rushing performance against Oregon in the College Football Playoff.
Knight’s biggest issue in 2026 could be getting enough carries considering the talent around him.
He’ll be joined by returners Anthony Woods and Jaivian Thomas, whose upside exceeded their production a year ago, along with promising redshirt freshman Karson Cox.
Transfer Dylan Lee (previously at Iowa State) and freshman Jayden Fox will try to carve out carries wherever they can.
Known for creating competitions among his players, Chesney doesn’t care only about who wins but also how it’s celebrated.
If the winning group doesn’t show enough passion, the victory won’t count.
Every detail matters for a coach who is trying to prove that the success he’s used to win at the NCAA Division III, Division II, Football Championship Subdivision and Group of Five level can translate into the Big Ten.
