Bob Chesney has high praise for his quarterback Nico Iamaleava

May 3, 2026 - 00:28

New UCLA head coach Bob Chesney is wasting no time in establishing his confidence in the man under center. Taking over a program that stumbled to a 3-9 record last season, Chesney has made it clear that his quarterback, Nico Iamaleava, is the cornerstone of the rebuild. In recent comments, the coach offered high praise for the young signal-caller, calling him a natural leader with a rare combination of arm talent and poise.

Chesney noted that Iamaleava's work ethic and football IQ have already impressed the coaching staff during spring practices. "He sees the field differently," Chesney said. "He has that calm presence that you need in a huddle when things get tough." The coach also emphasized that the offense will be built around Iamaleava's strengths, suggesting a more aggressive passing attack compared to last year's struggles.

For UCLA fans, the endorsement is a welcome sign after a dismal 2024 campaign. The Bruins ranked near the bottom of the conference in scoring and total offense, leading to a complete overhaul of the coaching staff. Chesney, known for turning around struggling programs, believes Iamaleava can be the spark that ignites a turnaround. With a revamped offensive line and a new system in place, the quarterback will have every opportunity to prove his coach right. The pressure is on, but Chesney's faith suggests that big things could be on the horizon in Westwood.