Chesney Kicks Off New Era With First UCLA Spring Practice

New Bruins head coach brings energy, high expectations to Westwood

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:34pm

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting a UCLA football practice, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of blue, gold, and white.A new era begins as UCLA's football team takes the field for the first spring practice under head coach Bob Chesney.Los Angeles Today

UCLA football kicked off the Bob Chesney era with its first spring practice on Thursday, as the new head coach brought his high-intensity approach to Spaulding Field. Chesney, who was hired away from James Madison in December, emphasized setting new standards from the very first session, with his energy and enthusiasm rubbing off on players and coaches alike.

Why it matters

Chesney's arrival marks a new chapter for the Bruins program, as they look to build off a 6-6 season in 2025. The former James Madison head coach brings a proven track record of success, and his first spring practice set the tone for the work ahead as UCLA aims to return to prominence in the Pac-12.

The details

Chesney was an active presence throughout the 9 a.m. practice, bouncing from drill to drill and setting the tone with his intensity. The Bruins saw significant roster turnover in the offseason, adding 55 new players along with Chesney's coaching staff. But the quarterback position remains unchanged, with Nico Iamaleava back under center for his second year. Iamaleava will be joined by his younger brother Madden, as well as Cal Poly transfer Ty Dieffenbach, who will compete for the backup role. On the ground, running back Wayne Knight, who followed Chesney from James Madison, will be expected to compete for the starting job alongside returnees Karson Cox, Javian Thomas, and Anthony Woods.

  • The first spring practice of the season took place on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
  • Chesney was hired as UCLA's new head coach in December 2025.

The players

Bob Chesney

The new head coach of the UCLA football team, hired away from James Madison in December 2025. Chesney brings 26 years of coaching experience, including 15 as a head coach.

Nico Iamaleava

The returning starting quarterback for UCLA, who started 11 games for the Bruins last season.

Madden Iamaleava

Nico's younger brother, who will compete for the backup quarterback role this spring.

Ty Dieffenbach

A transfer quarterback from Cal Poly, who will also vie for the backup job behind Nico Iamaleava.

Wayne Knight

A running back who followed Chesney from James Madison, where he rushed for 1,373 yards and 9 touchdowns last season.

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What they’re saying

“I thought it was good. It was day one. … You know there's going to be intensity and excitement around it.”

— Bob Chesney, Head Coach

“These first practices, ultimately what you allow to happen out there, is going to carry over every single day moving forward.”

— Bob Chesney, Head Coach

What’s next

The Bruins will continue their spring practice schedule, leading up to the annual spring game in late April. Chesney and his staff will use the coming weeks to evaluate the roster and determine the depth chart heading into the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Chesney's high-energy approach and emphasis on setting new standards from the very first practice signals his intent to quickly establish a winning culture at UCLA. With a talented roster that includes a veteran quarterback in Nico Iamaleava and a dynamic transfer in Wayne Knight, the Bruins have the pieces in place to make a push back to the top of the Pac-12 under their new head coach.