The Blueprint for a Turnaround
If you're feeling a bit of deja vu watching Bob Chesney, you aren't tripping. Chesney and Curt Cignetti are basically mirror images: both grinded their way up from lower-tier ball to stack wins and send players to the NFL. Now, Chesney is taking his turn at UCLA, hoping to replicate the magic he saw while coaching at James Madison.
Like Cignetti did at Indiana, Chesney brought a squad of familiar faces from JMU to LA to reset the culture. But here’s the tea: UCLA is starting from a much higher floor. While Indiana was ranked 72nd in talent last season, these Bruins are sitting at 24th, bolstered by the decision of five-star star Nico Iamaleava to stay put.
The Run Game is Eating
Passing game? Mid. But honestly, who cares when you’re running the rock this well? Wayne Knight has been a total cheat code, averaging a wild 9.08 yards per carry. He’s currently out-rushing 30 different Power Four teams on his own. It’s giving dominant energy.
Chesney is betting on his guys from the JMU pipeline—specifically offensive linemen like Sweazie and Robell—to keep that rushing lane open. It’s working. The interior line is putting in the work, letting the run game control the tempo so the passing attack doesn’t have to do the heavy lifting yet.
Defensive Standouts
On the other side of the ball, the defense is fresh and hungry. Linebacker Omosigho is having a breakout year with 7.5 tackles for loss and three sacks, proving that sometimes all you need is that one 'opportunity.' Meanwhile, in the secondary, James has been a literal magnet for the ball, snagging three interceptions in just four games. That puts him among the top ball-hawks in the entire country.
Why it matters
UCLA is finally showing signs of life after a rough 2025 season. With a lethal run game and a defense that’s actually making plays, the Bruins are looking to prove they belong in the big leagues. Whether they can sustain this energy against a tough Oregon squad will be the ultimate litmus test for the Chesney era.
