Skip to main content
All Bruins

How Bob Chesney Is Taking Over College Football With UCLA

The Bruins have followed Indiana's blueprint, experiencing great success.
Xander Tilock|
Sep 5, 2026; Berkeley, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Bob Chesney during the first quarter against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Sep 5, 2026; Berkeley, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Bob Chesney during the first quarter against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

In this story:

UCLA Bruins

The Bruins were ready for a war in Eugene, Oregon. UCLA won its first road game at Oregon since 2004, and this pregame speech went ultra-viral:

"They're about to go in and start the war, and he wants to make sure that nobody has any other thought," UCLA Coach Bob Chesney told his team pregame. "No other thought other than we're 100% positive we're winning this f–ing battle. He turns around and says 'look at the boats' they'd have to go home on and says, 'Burn the f–ing boats.' There is no way out. We can't go that way. We got to go through these motherf--ers."

The "he" Chesney referred to was a conqueror from centuries ago. But like the warriors of old, Chesney wants to strike fear into his opponents — and destroy everything in his path.

The Bruins currently stand at a staggering 5-0 (3-0 Big Ten), and after this weekend, they could be in sole possession of first place. If UCLA beats Wisconsin and No. 5 Ohio State beats No. 4 Indiana, the Bruins will be the only Big Ten team still undefeated.

This magical season has been fueled by an intense, classic football coach who was coaching in the Sun Belt last year. His final game was coincidentally a blowout loss against Oregon at Autzen Stadium — and this weekend, he put the Ducks' season on life support.

James Madison Dukes head coach Bob Chesney looks on during the second quarter against the Oregon Ducks
Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; James Madison Dukes head coach Bob Chesney looks on during the second quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Chesney and JMU

Based on his intense personality and sharp attention to detail, someone might think Chesney came from the Nick Saban coaching tree, or something similar. However, UCLA's coach did not come from the traditional ranks of another Power Four school.

Chesney was an FCS coach for nearly his entire career. He was dominant. As the head coach at Holy Cross, he went 44-21 from 2018 to 2023. That caught the attention of James Madison, in need of a replacement after Curt Cignetti took the Indiana job. Cignetti was successful with the Dukes. Chesney was even better.

Chesney led James Madison its first bowl win in school history, a 27-17 triumph over Western Kentucky in the Boca Raton Bowl. Then, in 2024, Chesney did the impossible — lead the Dukes to the College Football Playoff.

James Madison went 12-1, earning the No. 12 seed and a trip to Oregon. Even though the Dukes were dispatched in blowout fashion, they competed and made a few plays. Chesney proved that he would be one of the top candidates for a Power Four job in the offseason. It may not have been the one he envisioned.

The Coaching Carousel, and Portal Shopping

Several high-end SEC and Big Ten programs were in the market for a new head coach after the 2025 season. UCLA, though historic, was coming off of two straight mediocre seasons. Chesney, a Pennsylvania native, was reportedly interested in the Penn State job. But that offer did not come.

Instead of waiting on the Nittany Lions, Chesney accepted the Bruins' offer and headed to Westwood. He took several James Madison stars with him, just as Cignetti did. Chesney landed Wayne Knight, Sahir West, Landon Ellis, DJ Barksdale, Trent Hendrick, and several others.

UCLA running back Wayne Knight (3) celebrates after a touchdown against San Diego State.
Sep 12, 2026; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA running back Wayne Knight (3) celebrates after a touchdown against San Diego State at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Chesney has been a collegiate head coach since 2010. He has never finished lower than third in his conference. This year, his team just happens to be ranked No. 12 nationally and a genuine contender in the Big Ten.

This is just Year 1 for Chesney's Bruins. Imagine what they can do over the next several seasons.

Add us as a preferred source on Google
Published | Modified
Xander Tilock
XANDER TILOCK

Xander Tilock is a contributor for UCLA On SI. He previously spent four years as a Senior Writer/Sports Editor for The Cavalier Daily, where he authored the publication’s most articles since 2017 and was named Literary Writer of the Year in 2023. Xander has been referenced on ACC Network, Yahoo Sports, Sirius XM ACC Radio, UVA Today, The Virginian-Pilot, and dozens of other publications nationwide. Outside of journalistic endeavors, Xander graduated with distinction from the University of Virginia in 2026. He is also a proud owner of the Green Bay Packers — and for a final twist, you can find him acting, writing, directing, and producing films and plays. Follow Xander on X @xandertilock