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Bob Chesney conducts first practice, ready to build at UCLA

April 2, 2026

From left, UCLA head coach Bob Chesney speaks with Wayne Knight during the first spring practice of the season at Spaulding Field in Westwood on Thursday, April 2, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)

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LOS ANGELES — The anticipation and wait is finally over in Westwood as the UCLA football team kicked off the Bob Chesney era with its first spring practice of the year Friday morning.

Chesney, who was hired away from James Madison in December, brings 26 years of coaching experience to UCLA, including 15 years as a head coach.

He was an active presence during the 9 a.m. practice, bouncing from drill to drill all over Spaulding Field.

His energy was infectious to players and coaches alike. Even some of the recruits who were on unofficial visits were jamming along to the sights and sounds of the Bruins’ practice.

“I thought it was good. It was day one. … You know there’s going to be intensity and excitement around it,” said Chesney.

Chensey made a concerted effort to use the first practice of the spring to set new standards.

“They’re crucially important. This is the bedrock we’ll build upon,” Chesney said about the first few days of spring football. “These first practices, ultimately what you allow to happen out there, is going to carry over every single day moving forward.”

Continuity with the quarterbacks

The Bruins saw a lot of turnover during the offseason. They added 55 players to the roster in addition to Chesney and his coaching staff.

But the quarterback position is unchanged. Nico Iamaleava is back under center for his second year with the Bruins after starting in 11 games last season.

Iamaleava and his younger brother, Madden, join Colton Gamino as the three returning quarterbacks for Chensey’s inaugural season at UCLA.

One of two additions to the quarterbacks room is Cal Poly transfer Ty Dieffenbach. A Southern California native, Dieffenbach prepped at Agoura and signed with Pitt out of high school before transferring to Cal Poly in 2025.

Dieffenbach played in five games for the Mustangs last season, throwing for 1,305 yards, nine touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He added 321 yards and four touchdowns rushing.

The 6-foot-6, 220-pound quarterback was hard to miss on the field with his size and arm. He will compete for the backup gig this offseason along with Madden Iamaleava and Gamino.

“It’s our first time going full speed out here. … It’s their first time really seeing it with different colored jerseys, helmets on, and an (offensive line) in front of them,” Chesney said. “There was a lot of good that came out of that room today.”

Three-star quarterback signee DJ Bordeaux will join the Bruins in the summer to fill out the position group.

From James Madison to UCLA

Ten players from JMU followed Chesney to UCLA during this offseason. Among them is running back Wayne Knight, one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal.

In his first season as a starter, Knight rumbled for 1,373 yards and nine touchdowns for Chesney and the Dukes last season.

He will be expected to compete for the starting job alongside returnees Karson Cox, Javian Thomas, and Anthony Woods.

At first glance, it was hard to distinguish who the running backs were because of how physically impressive they looked.

Knight isn’t the biggest player on the field, but his frame at 5-foot-7, 190 pounds made him hard to miss. Cox, an Oak Hills native, looked the part as well with good size at 5-foot-11, 215 pounds.

“That running back room, I think they’re stronger than the linebackers. They might be stronger than the defensive ends. There’s just some stuff in that room that’s a little bit different,” Chesney said. “We gotta keep them healthy and keep them playing downhill and doing what they do.”

Bob Chesney conducts first practice, ready to build at UCLA Orange County Register

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Bob Chesney conducts first practice, ready to build at UCLA

Continuity with the quarterbacks

From James Madison to UCLA

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