UCLA Bruins

Bob Chesney's first game as UCLA head coach produced a 45-24 road win over California, a former Pac-12 rival. The Bruins used 37 new players, many of them transfers, and the new pieces clicked immediately. Wayne Knight, who followed Chesney from James Madison, ran for 71 yards and three touchdowns, including two in the fourth quarter after interceptions by Ta'Shawn James. Anthony Woods added a 53-yard touchdown run to seal the game. The offense finished with 277 rushing yards and six rushing scores, showing the kind of balance and explosiveness Chesney wants to build around.

UCLA's offense looked far more dynamic than it did in recent seasons. The Bruins produced eight plays from scrimmage of at least 20 yards, their most in a single game since 2023. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava threw for 184 yards, ran for a touchdown, and connected on a 43-yard pass to Mikey Matthews to set up a field goal just before halftime. The running back duo of Knight and Woods gives the ground game a one-two punch, and the transfer-heavy receiver group, including Matthews, Leland Smith, and Landon Ellis, has shown it can stretch the field. The offensive line, rebuilt with portal additions like Jordan Davis and Riley Robell, held up well in its first test.

The secondary, expected to be the defense's strength, delivered in the opener. Ta'Shawn James came up with two interceptions in the fourth quarter, both leading to Knight touchdowns. Safety Cole Martin, cornerback Rodrick Pleasant, and nickel Scooter Jackson anchored a group that limited Cal's passing game for most of the night. However, the rebuilt defensive line remains a work in progress. Cal's offense moved the ball at times, and quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele threw for 271 yards and two touchdowns before the late interceptions. The Bruins will need more consistent pressure from the front, which features JMU transfers Sahir West and Aiden Gobaira along with Power 4 imports like Darold DeNgohe, Tyson Ford, and Maxwell Roy.

Nico Iamaleava left the Cal game briefly in the fourth quarter with a calf cramp, but he returned and finished the win. His mobility is a central part of UCLA's offense, as he added a rushing touchdown and used his legs to extend plays. The preseason scouting report noted that opponents may try to contain him as a runner and force him to beat them from the pocket. Against Cal, he was efficient but not spectacular through the air, completing passes when needed. If he can stay healthy and continue to make plays with his arm and legs, UCLA's offense has a high ceiling. His ability to avoid turnovers will be critical, as he threw one red-zone interception in the opener.

UCLA's nonconference schedule continues with a home game against San Diego State, a team with a much lower power rating and a 1-0 record but a loss against the spread. The Bruins are heavy favorites, and a win would push them to 2-0 before Big Ten play ramps up. The conference slate is not considered particularly grueling until November, giving Chesney time to integrate his many new players. The Bruins have already shown they can win on the road, and their home opener should provide another chance to build confidence. The key will be maintaining focus and avoiding letdowns against lesser opponents, as the schedule gets tougher later in the season.