Rebuilding the trenches is the name of the game. That is one area that UCLA needs to focus on with their rebuild. With Bob Chesney coming in to take things over it could be an emphasis on his staff. If you protect the quarterback on offense, good things will happen. If you get pressure on the quarterback on defense, good things will also happen. The offensive and defensive lines are so crucial in the game of football and is the starting point of success
It is quite possible that UCLA could get a jumpstart on the transfer portal. As Chesney’s exit from James Madison, has led to multiple players entering the portal. Including two really good offensive linemen in Riley Robell and Joseph Simmons. Robell was an All-Sun Belt guard and would instantly slide in as a starter without competition. Simmons is a 6’6, 323 pound left tackle who would also slide in and protect Nico Iamaleava’s blindside. A very important position in keeping a quarterback healthy and having a high trust level in the pocket
BREAKING: JMU all-conference OL Riley Robell is entering the @TransferPortal, he tells @On3Sports
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 24, 2025
The 6’3 290 OL started 11 games this season for the Dukes
Will have 2 years of eligibility left https://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/RBDO1h0hGK
BREAKING: JMU starting LT Joseph Simmons is entering the @TransferPortal, his agent tells @On3Sports⁰⁰The 6’6 323 LT has played over 1200 snaps at OT in his career
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 23, 2025
Only allowed 14 pressures in the 2025 season
He’ll have 1 year of eligibility left https://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/OkEtcZG856
It remains to be seen if other players hit the transfer portal. But those are two really big positions that the Bruins could help fill. It is not a guarantee that either would be interested in UCLA. But the Chesney connection could play apart in things. Giving UCLA a little bit of an advantage over other schools due to familiarity. Although they lost to Oregon, James Madison made the College Football Playoff, and they have players who can flat out play. Players that could help UCLA and also help themselves at a larger school.
Our @PFSNcollege highest-graded Sun Belt Guards, 2025:
— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) December 9, 2025
Tristian Smith, Arkansas State: 86.0
Deandre Duffus, Georgia State: 79.5
Jay Mickle, UL-Monroe: 79.1
Trent Wilson, JMU: 79.0
Julius Tate, Coastal Carolina: 77.2
Riley Robell, JMU: 76.0
Carter Sweazie, JMU: 75.7
Donovan… pic.twitter.com/n5bORnbwWl
Iamaleava trusted in what UCLA is building and announced he will be back next year. Now it is time to go out and get him the protection that he needs to reach his full ceiling. There will be more players to choose from in the transfer portal. But two big gets coming over from James Madison on the offensive line would be a huge start. Chesney will now be able to have his full focus on UCLA with James Madison out of the playoff. That is a huge boost and will get the fanbase excited about what is upcoming.