Bob Chesney is creating excitement around UCLA football that has been absent the last few years

Outside of the Penn State upset and the three game-winning streak. UCLA football did not have much excitement in the 2025 season. Bob Chesney is doing his best to make sure that is not the case in 2026. Bringing excitement to the building again and making fans, look forward to the season starting. Bringing in 42 transfers to transform this team and his interviews have been electric. Chesney seems to be the perfect fit for this rebuild taking place.

With all that is in order, that rebuild is not something that may take long. The team was able to bring in some very good transfers this offseason through the transfer portal. Giving hope that it is very possible that UCLA could at least make a bowl game this upcoming season. With a quarterback with a high ceiling in place and new weapons around him. This team has the opportunity to take a big step forward. Especially with an offensive line now that will keep Nico Iamaleava on his feet.

Chesney is a defensive guy; he has coached some really good defenses in college. Including the one he comes from at James Madison along with Colin Hitschler, his defensive coordinator. This team has brought in a lot of talent. Including guys that are expected to step right in and make an impact. Such as Sahir West, Maxwell Roy, Sammy Omosigho and Tao Johnson among many others. This defense will get sacks and force turnovers, which was very rare in 2025.

The offense will also have more explosive plays with guys like Leland Smith, Wayne Knight and Landon Ellis now on the roster. Chesney was not interested in saying we will figure this thing out over the years. He is coming in now to make a statement and put this UCLA team in Big Ten contention. It remains to be seen how all the players will mesh together. But with the schedule, they have six or seven wins as totally possible in 2026.