The Bruins enter 2026 with a brand-new coaching staff under Bob Chesney after a 3-9 (3-6 Big Ten) season. Chesney brings much of his JMU staff and several players to Westwood, following a path similar to Curt Cignetti’s rapid success at Indiana. Dean Kennedy will take over as offensive coordinator with the luxury of an outstanding, well-polished dual-threat quarterback in Nico Iamaleava. The Bruins will replace their top running back, Jalen Berger, with JMU transfer Wayne Knight. Anthony Woods and Javian Thomas return as complementary backs. Leading receiver Kwazi Gilmer transferred to Nebraska. Mikey Matthews returns. Transfers Leland Smith and Landon Ellis will try to prove they belong as first-string receivers at the Power Conference level. The offensive line returns Eugene Brooks and Sam Yoon and will need to restructure its lineup, adding clarity to the trench outlook.

Former JMU defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler will lead the defense. The Bruins have massive turnover, as their top three tacklers from a season ago are gone. Up front, the defensive line is rebuilt with transfers, while Jalen Woods returns at linebacker with Oklahoma transfer Sammy Omosigho. In the secondary, the Bruins have talent and depth, with returning starters Scooter Jackson, Roderick Pleasant, and Cole Martin, and UCLA is excited to see its first look at Utah transfer Tao Johnson.

On special teams, coach Drew Canan could turn to a familiar face in Wayne Knight at the kick return position, along with Cole Martin. Mikey Matthews is back and could handle punt return duties again. The Bruins return kicker Mateen Bhaghani and bring in a few new punters who will compete for the starting role. UCLA has excellent skill players, but it will need to settle its combinations in the trenches on both sides of the ball if it wants to take the next step in Big Ten play.