UCLA Football Coach Bob Chesney Launches New Era at Big Ten Media Days

UCLA head coach Bob Chesney and top players, including quarterback Nico Iamaleava, appeared at the Big Ten Football Media Days in Chicago to introduce the Bruins’ first season in the conference. Chesney emphasized effort, accountability and a “day‑to‑day” work ethic, saying success comes from a disciplined, united group rather than artificial limits.

The coach highlighted the program’s recent recruiting success, noting a top‑10 class for 2027, 45 new transfers, and a surge in donor support that raised private contributions by 80% to over $41 million. Despite these gains, the Bruins were voted to finish 13th in the preseason conference poll, mirroring last season’s standing. Chesney acknowledged the challenge of winning his first game and referenced the limited history of successful debut seasons under former coaches Jim Mora and Terry Donahue.

UCLA’s schedule features a season opener against California on Sept. 5, followed by a home game versus San Diego State on Sept. 12 at the Rose Bowl. The new era under Chesney aims to improve on the three‑win season that marked the program’s worst record in more than five decades.