Bob Chesney takes over as UCLA’s head coach after a 3-9 overall and 3-6 Big Ten campaign in 2025, with several members of his James Madison staff and roster joining him in Westwood. Dean Kennedy is the offensive coordinator, and Nico Iamaleava returned at quarterback. Update (Oct. 14): QB Nico Iamaleava suffered a serious knee injury against Oregon on October 10 and is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 season, although UCLA had not formally confirmed a season-ending designation as of October 12. Head coach Bob Chesney has named Ty Dieffenbach the new starting quarterback, with Madden Iamaleava also competing for playing time. On offense, UCLA must replace running back Jalen Berger, while James Madison transfer Wayne Knight has emerged as the lead back, with Anthony Woods and Jaivian Thomas also returning. The Bruins also must replace leading receiver Kwazi Gilmer after his transfer to Nebraska, but Mikey Matthews returns with considerable production after 33 catches last season. Update (Oct. 14): WR Mikey Matthews is reportedly out for the rest of the 2026 season with a lower-leg injury, though the team has not confirmed it as season-ending. Adding depth, transfers Leland Smith and Landon Ellis join the receiving corps after recording 43 and 36 receptions, respectively. Up front, the offensive line returns full-time starters Sam Yoon and Eugene Brooks, who made 12 and 11 starts, respectively. In addition, South Alabama transfer Jordan Davis adds significant experience after nine starts last season, while Boise State transfer Hall Schmidt brings starting experience after 12 starts in 2024.

Colin Hitschler takes over as defensive coordinator after serving in the same role at James Madison. UCLA returns four of its top eleven tacklers from last season after losing its top three. In the secondary, Cole Martin and Rodrick Pleasant return as full-time starters, while Scooter Jackson adds significant starting experience and Jalen Woods returns at linebacker. Oklahoma transfer Sammy Omosigho joins the linebacker group, while Utah transfer Tao Johnson adds another full-time starter at safety after making 12 starts last season. UCLA also added several transfers along the defensive front.

Drew Canan takes over as special teams coordinator after holding the same position at James Madison. Mateen Bhaghani returns at placekicker after making 16 of 20 field-goal attempts last season, while Curtis Gerrand takes over at punter. Mikey Matthews entered the season as the punt-return option, while Wayne Knight provides an option on kickoff returns.

UCLA entered 2026 with a new coaching staff and returning experience at quarterback and several key positions, but Iamaleava’s injury has created a major change under center. The Bruins have added proven production at receiver and starting experience on the offensive line and in the secondary, while also integrating several newcomers into roles across the roster. Update (Oct. 14): UCLA is 5-0 and ranked No. 12 in the AP poll following a 17-15 victory at Oregon on October 10. The Bruins now prepare to face Wisconsin with Dieffenbach taking over at quarterback.