UCLA's Chesney Applauds Nico Iamaleava's Effort

New head coach Bob Chesney sees promise in the Bruins' quarterback ahead of the 2026 season.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:00am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a college football quarterback in motion, with the player's body and uniform broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of UCLA's blue and gold colors.A new era dawns for UCLA football, with quarterback Nico Iamaleava at the center of the Bruins' push for a bounce-back season.Los Angeles Today

After a disappointing 2025 season, UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava is looking to bounce back under new head coach Bob Chesney. Chesney, who joined the Bruins after leading James Madison to a 12-win season and a College Football Playoff berth, has been impressed with Iamaleava's work ethic and leadership during spring practice.

Why it matters

Iamaleava's performance will be crucial for UCLA's success in 2026, as the team looks to rebound from a 3-9 campaign. Chesney's arrival and the addition of key transfers like running back Wayne Knight provide hope that the Bruins' offense can return to form with Iamaleava at the helm.

The details

Iamaleava struggled at times last season, throwing for 1,928 yards with 13 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. He was also the team's leading rusher with 505 yards. However, Chesney has been encouraged by Iamaleava's progress, praising his poise, understanding of the offense, and communication skills. Chesney noted that Iamaleava has been putting in extra time in the film room and as a leader for the team.

  • Iamaleava is now entering his second season with the UCLA program after transferring from Tennessee.
  • Chesney was hired as UCLA's new head coach in January 2026 after leading James Madison to a 12-win season and a College Football Playoff berth in 2025.
  • The Bruins finished the 2025 season with a 3-9 record, leading to the firing of former head coach DeShaun Foster.

The players

Nico Iamaleava

The UCLA quarterback who is looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 season.

Bob Chesney

The new head coach of the UCLA Bruins, who previously led James Madison to a 12-win season and a College Football Playoff berth in 2025.

Wayne Knight

A running back who is following Chesney from James Madison to UCLA as a key transfer addition.

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What they’re saying

“I think he's been really great. His poise, his understanding of the offense, his communication. It's not about him, is the thing that I'm most impressed about. It's about everybody else when he's out there on the field. He does such a good job of communicating, getting everybody on the same page, doing it with urgency, and then just relentlessly pursuing it.”

— Bob Chesney, UCLA Head Coach

“There's nobody that spends more time in the meeting room right now than him. There's nobody that spends more time on film than him. There's nobody that spends more time on trying to become the best leader he can for this team than him. So, good start.”

— Bob Chesney, UCLA Head Coach

What’s next

The Bruins will look to show their fans just how serious they are heading into the 2026 season. Iamaleava could be in store for a major bounce-back season with a new system in place and some high-impact talent coming in via the transfer portal.

The takeaway

With a new head coach in Bob Chesney and the addition of key transfers like Wayne Knight, UCLA is hoping that Nico Iamaleava can regain his form and lead the Bruins' offense to a bounce-back season in 2026 after a disappointing 3-9 campaign in 2025.