UCLA QB Iamaleava Stays for Senior Season After Meeting New Coach Chesney

Quarterback says 'it was a no-brainer' to return after conversations with new head coach and offensive coordinator.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:40pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting overlapping planes of UCLA football players in action, rendered in the cubist style with bold blue and gold colors.A cubist interpretation of the competitive energy and physical intensity of UCLA's spring football practices under new head coach Bob Chesney.Los Angeles Today

UCLA senior quarterback Nico Iamaleava says he decided to return for his final season after meeting with new head coach Bob Chesney and offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy, calling it 'a no-brainer' to stay in Westwood. The Bruins had a physical, padded spring practice on Saturday as the offense worked to mesh with eight new wide receivers, while the defense stood out with strong play from the secondary.

Why it matters

Iamaleava's decision to stay is a major boost for UCLA as they transition to a new coaching staff under Chesney. The Bruins are looking to build on a strong 2025 season and compete for a Pac-12 title, and Iamaleava's leadership and experience will be crucial. The team's spring practices are also an important time to see how the new-look offense and defense are coming together.

The details

Iamaleava said he was 'pretty sold on staying' after his first meeting with Chesney, praising the new head coach and offensive coordinator Kennedy. The Bruins had a physical, padded practice on Saturday, with the defense standing out and limiting the offense. Running backs Wayne Knight, Jaivian Thomas and Anthony Woods all made plays, while cornerback Dante Lovett and safety Cole Martin led the secondary.

  • UCLA held its fifth spring practice on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
  • The Bruins are preparing for the 2026 season, Iamaleava's senior year.

The players

Nico Iamaleava

The senior quarterback and team captain for UCLA, who decided to return for his final season after meeting with the new coaching staff.

Bob Chesney

The new head coach for UCLA, who was able to convince Iamaleava to stay for his senior year.

Dean Kennedy

The new offensive coordinator for UCLA, who Iamaleava also met with and helped solidify his decision to return.

Cole Martin

The redshirt junior safety for UCLA, who is expected to form a strong duo in the secondary with Utah transfer Tao Johnson.

Dante Lovett

The Virginia Tech transfer cornerback who is battling for a starting job in the Bruins' secondary.

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What they’re saying

“I think the first time after I met Coach Chesney, I was pretty sold on staying here. I didn't want to leave. When I met Coach Chesney and got to sit down with him and have a conversation, then I got to meet with (UCLA offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy), it was a no-brainer.”

— Nico Iamaleava, UCLA Quarterback

“It is competitive and every single day is competitive. Everybody's challenging each other to be the best version of themselves but it's all fun. It's all fun. It's all love that's coming from my brothers. So you know, it's amazing. It's looking good.”

— Cole Martin, UCLA Safety

“He's a great guy. He's one of those guys who are gonna make you better and challenge you every single day. He brings that energy out there … so having a coach that matches your energy and challenges you to be better just raises up the competition.”

— Cole Martin, UCLA Safety

What’s next

The Bruins will continue their spring practice schedule, with the next session scheduled for Tuesday, April 15. Coaches and players will be looking to build on the progress made so far as they work to install the new offensive and defensive systems.

The takeaway

Iamaleava's decision to return for his senior season gives UCLA a major boost as they transition to a new coaching staff. The Bruins have high expectations for 2026, and Iamaleava's leadership and experience will be crucial as the team works to mesh the new-look offense and stifling defense during spring practices.