The UCLA Bruins could surprise some teams in the 2026 season, led by quarterback Nico Iamaleava and new head coach Bob Chesney. "I've been impressed with him, [Iamaleava's] got some arm talent," a coach told ESPN's Adam Rittenberg. "I do think that head coach [Chesney] has got some s--t to him that is special, so we'll see." Iamaleava set career highs in rushing yards (505) and rushing touchdowns (four) last season, though he was less effective through the air (1,928 yards, 13 touchdowns, seven interceptions). UCLA changing both its head coach and offensive coordinator early in the season certainly didn't help.