Offseason look at the quarterback room

Quarterback is a room that is ready to go for the 2026 season. After receiving commitment that Nico Iamaleava would return and forego the transfer portal. He is back entrenched as the starter. With his brother Madden as the backup. Luke Duncan hit the transfer portal early on in the process. Probably because he got the news that Nico would be back. Knowing that he would not have a chance at the starter position. He ultimately transferred to Nevada where they said he will have a chance at the starting gig.

It was a big development that UCLA was able to get Nico to return. There was not going to be another quarterback that could come in and have a higher ceiling. There were talks about Alonza Barnett III, but he is not as talented. With Nico in fold, Bob Chesney and his staff were able to focus on other positions. Allowing them to secure transfers such as Wayne Knight, Leland Smith, Landon Ellis, Sahir West, Sammy Omosigho and many more.

Madden now jumps a spot and becomes the backup quarterback. It is possible that he will become the starter when Nico leaves. Which most likely will be after this season. If he is able to have a good year, he will probably input his game into the 2027 NFL Draft. The Bruins also lost longtime backup Henry Hasselback who transferred to Appalachian State. He was another guy that was looking towards an opportunity to compete for a starting job. UCLA brought in Ty Dieffenbach through the transfer portal from Cal Poly to add to the room.

The obvious most important factor here is Nico. He can be a star at the quarterback position. The Bruins made it a point to bring in playmaker in the off-season. They have equipped him with the best that they can. The focus was on building an offensive line to protect him. Chesney did just that and brought in receivers and Knight to help. Dean Kennedy will now get to work on best setting up his quarterback to succeed in 2026.