The UCLA Bruins are heading into the 2026 season with many changes.
They’re moving on from the DeShaun Foster era and hired a new coach, Bob Chesney, who used to be in charge at James Madison. The Bruins are really trying to rebuild their program, which has struggled to compete in the Big Ten since their inception.
It’s a big deal for the team, and a lot is riding on this new era. The Bruins want to make a statement and prove themselves, and with Coach Chesney at the helm, they might have a chance to turn things around.
Chesney comes to Pasadena with a track record of getting results, helping players improve, and building strong teams. After doing a great job at James Madison, he quickly got to work changing the Bruins roster by bringing in a huge group of transfer players, including some of his best players from JMU.
This offseason, UCLA added over 40 new players from the transfer portal, which could make for one of the most interesting team makeovers in college football. He’s clearly wasting no time in putting his stamp on the team, and it’ll be exciting to see how all these new players come together.
With so many new faces, the Bruins are definitely a team to watch this season. Chesney’s experience and ability to develop players will be key in helping these new players gel and become a cohesive unit.
So, the big question is, can UCLA make a big impact in the Big Ten right away, or will 2026 be more like a starting point for something really special to happen later on?
Bob Chesney’s Arrival Changes Everything
Not many college football coaches have been talked about as much as Bob Chesney during the offseason.
Chesney is great at getting the best out of his players and creating a winning team spirit. Now, he’s taking over a UCLA program that really needs to find some consistency.
He’s not afraid to make big moves, and his bold approach to recruiting transfers has already made the Bruins one of the most interesting teams in the conference.
Some of his top players from James Madison have even followed him to Los Angeles, like the talented running back Wayne Knight and the impressive edge rusher Sahir West. This could be the start of something exciting for UCLA.
The Bruins may not possess the star power of Ohio State, Oregon, or Michigan, but they could become one of the most improved teams in the conference thanks to the sheer amount of talent injected into the roster.
Offensive Outlook: New Faces Everywhere
No position group shows off UCLA’s big offseason changes more than the offense.
The Bruins have made some big changes to their offense by bringing in new players through the transfer portal. This might make it a little tough for them to work together smoothly at first, but these changes could lead to some great things.
They’ve really strengthened their offensive line with the new additions, and it looks like Wayne Knight, who used to play for James Madison, is going to be a key player in the running back position.
Knight is coming off an incredible season in which he racked up over 2,000 all-purpose yards, making him one of the most versatile offensive players in the country.
He can make a big impact in games in lots of ways – running, catching, and returning kicks, which should make him the main guy in the Bruins’ offense.
If quarterback Nico Iamaleava spot gets settled fast, UCLA may become one of the most well-rounded teams on offense in the Big Ten. But the big test will be getting all these new players to work together like a team before the conference games start.
Defensive Outlook: Transfer Talent Must Produce
Defensively, UCLA enters 2026 with cautious optimism.
The Bruins added multiple experienced defenders through the portal, including pass rushers and defensive linemen who could improve a unit that struggled to pressure opposing quarterbacks in recent seasons.
Sahir West is a player to keep an eye on. He came to UCLA from James Madison, where he got conference honors and became known as one of the toughest defensive players in the Sun Belt. Now, UCLA is hoping he can make a big impact right away in the Big Ten.
The biggest challenge for the defense will be adapting to the conference’s physical nature. Weekly matchups against power-running offenses and NFL-caliber offensive lines leave little room for growing pains.
Impact Transfers to Know
Wayne Knight, RB (James Madison)
Wayne Knight, RB (James Madison)
Knight is the key to UCLA’s new offense. He’s really fast and can do a lot of things, which could make him one of the best running backs in the Big Ten.
Sahir West, EDGE (James Madison)
This guy is a total game-changer for UCLA’s defense – he’s got the skills and experience to make a big impact right away.
Riley Robell, OL (James Madison)
An experienced offensive lineman who should help stabilize a unit that must improve to compete against elite Big Ten defenses.
Landon Ellis, WR (James Madison)
He’s a reliable player who could easily become one of the top receivers for the Bruins, someone they can count on to make big plays.
These players represent just a portion of the massive portal haul that Chesney assembled during his first offseason.
Key Games on UCLA’s 2026 Schedule
September 5 at California
Chesney’s debut will begin under the lights against an old Pac-12 foe. It won’t be easy, as standout Quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele will pose a big challenge against a revamped Bruins defense.
September 26 at Oregon
This game against Oregon could be the biggest challenge UCLA faces all season. Oregon is looking strong, with a real shot at winning the Big Ten title and making it to the College Football Playoff. If UCLA can keep it close in Eugene, that would be a huge sign that they’re making progress faster than expected in their rebuild. It’s a tough test, but a good showing would give UCLA a lot of confidence and momentum going forward.
October 17 vs Michigan State
This game is a big deal for both teams, as it could decide which one gets to go to a bowl game and how they’ll stack up in the middle of the Big Ten pack. For UCLA, playing at the Rose Bowl is a great opportunity to secure a big home win and make a statement.
November 13 vs Illinois
Illinois is still one of the teams in the conference that does things right. At this point in the season, we should see how much UCLA has improved under Chesney. They’ve had time to work on their game, so it’s time to see the results.
November 21 at Michigan
A trip to Ann Arbor late in the season might be a big moment for the Bruins. They’ll have to play in a really tough place, which will be a big challenge for their team, especially with so many new players.
Can UCLA Become a Surprise Team in the Big Ten?
While expectations should remain realistic, UCLA possesses the profile of a potential surprise team.
The Bruins are not quite ready to go for the top prize in the Big Ten just yet. But with a coaching team that thinks outside the box, some amazing new players, and a schedule that’s not too tough, they might do better than people think. If you look at the schedule, you’ll see that UCLA doesn’t have to play all the big teams in the conference, which is more than some other Big Ten teams can say. This could be a big plus for them.
If the offensive line gels quickly and the transfer additions adapt to Big Ten football, UCLA could push toward bowl eligibility and potentially exceed the six-win mark.
Final Prediction
Bob Chesney’s first season won’t be judged solely by wins and losses.
So, 2026 is going to be a big year for UCLA. They’re trying to build a strong team culture and gain some momentum. The goal is to show that they can really compete in the Big Ten. It’s been a wild ride for the Bruins, with a completely new roster and coaching staff coming in just a few months ago. This makes them a mystery team – nobody’s really sure what to expect from them. They’re like a wild card, and that’s what makes them so interesting to watch.
You might see some struggles at first, but UCLA will likely turn things around and become one of the teams that improve the most by the end of the season.
Projected Record: 7-5 (4-5 Big Ten)
The Bruins are still a work in progress, but it’s clear that a new chapter is unfolding in Westwood, and the groundwork is being laid for a brighter future.
