LOS ANGELES — If the Chinese zodiac is to be believed, 2026 could be a big year for UCLA athletics. Those shifts are already afoot with the hiring of Bob Chesney as the football coach and a women’s basketball team that could be on the verge of another breakthrough after reaching the Final Four in 2025. Chesney must convince as many transfers as possible that he can win big in Westwood to accelerate his rebuilding efforts. Iamaleava’s return ensures that Chesney has the quarterback he needs to win at a high level in his debut season. Max out the rosterUCLA has a defense-driven basketball coach who lacks the players needed to play defense at a high level.

Source: Los Angeles Times December 30, 2025 22:47 UTC