3 Things UCLA Must Get Right To Make Bowl Game

If there’s one thing that Bruins fans can be optimistic about, it’s that coming off of a 3-9 season, there’s really no way this season can’t be an improvement.

The Bruins' schedule is favorable as far as a Big Ten schedule goes, and it seems within reach for the Bruins to make a bowl game this season. Looking ahead to the current season, what must happen for UCLA to go bowling?

Capable Run Defense

Oct 4, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Darius Taylor (1) runs the ball as Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Maxwell Roy (93) makes the tackle during the second quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The thing that has been the most questionable is this Bruins' run defense. The interior line should feature many new faces, including Maxwell Roy, Amier Washington, Darold DeNgohe, and Tyson Ford.

The run game for UCLA has impressed many in practices, but that may just be because of how skilled the Bruins' running back room is. UCLA’s defense could ultimately be a major deciding factor in how far this team goes, and the interior line looks to be the biggest question mark among the units on that side of the ball.

Nico Iamaleava Reaches His Potential

Nov 22, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) the grasp of Washington Huskies linebacker Zach Durfee (5) during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

If Iamaleava reaches the true potential of what he’s capable of, the Bruins will be looking at easily attending a bowl game. We’ve seen flashes of what Iamaleava can do, just not on a consistent basis.

Using a combination of both his arms and legs, there are plenty of ways for Bob Chesney to utilize Iamaleava in that Bruins offense. I would expect Chesney to take full advantage of what Iamaleava’s skill set has to offer.

Nov 22, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) is sacked by Washington Huskies defensive lineman Bryce Butler (92) during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Last season, it was hard to get the passing game going, partly due to a nonexistent run game. This year, Iamaleava has been given plenty of weapons to choose from, and a reliable run game should help take some pressure off the passing game.

Aggressive Offense

The only way to win games is to score points. I would expect the Bruins' offense to be the better side of the ball, and it seems the roster would agree.

May 2, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins coach Bob Chesney reacts during the spring game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

There are plenty of weapons in both the receiving and running back rooms; when you mix those in with a Bob Chesney offense, you should score a lot of points.

There are many tough offenses in the Big Ten, so the Bruins will need to stay aggressive and score plenty of points to win games. I don’t foresee the Bruins winning many low-scoring contests next season, which makes having a consistently effective offense that much more important.

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