UCLA Football Settling In After First Week of Spring Practice

New head coach Bob Chesney's high-energy approach is already energizing the Bruins' players and staff.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:21pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a UCLA football practice, with players, coaches, and equipment broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of blue, gold, and white.The UCLA Bruins' spring practice session showcases the team's growing comfort and energy under new head coach Bob Chesney's leadership.Los Angeles Today

In his first spring practice as UCLA's new head football coach, Bob Chesney has brought a relentless energy that is quickly rubbing off on the Bruins' players and coaching staff. After just one week of spring workouts, the team is already looking more comfortable on the field, with the defense standing out in particular thanks to some key transfer additions.

Why it matters

Chesney's arrival marks a new era for UCLA football, as the program looks to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season. The Bruins are hoping Chesney's high-intensity approach and defensive expertise can help them compete in the increasingly competitive Big Ten conference.

The details

Chesney, who has a defensive coaching background, has been hands-on with all position groups during spring practice, offering input and guidance wherever he sees fit. His energy and blue-collar mentality have been infectious, according to defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler, who previously worked with Chesney at the Division III level. On the field, the Bruins' defense has been the standout so far, with transfer additions like linebacker Samuel Omosigho and defensive lineman Sahir West making an immediate impact. The offense is still finding its footing, but senior wide receiver Mikey Matthews has emerged as a vocal leader, helping to guide the younger players in the receiving corps.

  • UCLA began spring practice on April 3, 2026.
  • The Bruins held their fourth spring practice on April 9, 2026.

The players

Bob Chesney

The new head coach of the UCLA football team, known for his high-energy approach and defensive expertise.

Colin Hitschler

The defensive coordinator for the UCLA football team, who previously worked with Chesney at the Division III level.

Mikey Matthews

A senior wide receiver and the Bruins' top returning receiver, who has taken on a larger leadership role this offseason.

Samuel Omosigho

A transfer linebacker from Oklahoma who has made an immediate impact on the UCLA defense.

Sahir West

A transfer defensive lineman from James Madison who has bolstered the Bruins' defensive front.

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What they’re saying

“His energy that he brings daily – it's unique and special. It rubs off on the staff and then the staff brings it to the players. And together, it's just a lot of fun out here and everyone that's around feels it. Eventually that's gonna lead to wins.”

— Colin Hitschler, Defensive Coordinator

“What a special pickup that was. Great kid. Was in an unbelievable program there with a lot of NFL (linebackers) and made a lot of plays for them.”

— Colin Hitschler, Defensive Coordinator

“I think when you have Mikey, who has been here previously and he's executed at a high level, now you have someone like that where the younger guys can lean on and then also the new guys you've seen start to blend and some of the JMU guys blend with him. The more we can talk and be positive and have a positive attitude … it's just gonna keep helping us grow.”

— Dean Kennedy, Offensive Coordinator

What’s next

The Bruins will continue spring practice over the next few weeks, leading up to their annual spring game on April 27, 2026.

The takeaway

Chesney's high-energy approach has already energized the UCLA football program, with the defense in particular looking impressive early on thanks to some key transfer additions. If the Bruins can continue to build on this momentum, they could be poised for a bounce-back season and a strong start in the Big Ten.