Bob Chesney builds UCLA around familiar James Madison transfers

UCLA coach Bob Chesney is using players he knows from James Madison to rebuild the football team. A CBS Sports roster analysis published on 9 October notes that the Bruins have 12 former Dukes, with roughly half making significant contributions.

CBS compares Chesney's approach with Curt Cignetti's work at Indiana. Thirteen James Madison players followed Cignetti, and seven remained on the national championship roster. Their starting resources differed: Indiana ranked 72nd in the 247Sports Talent Composite before last season, while UCLA ranks 24th in 2026. Retained quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who transferred from Tennessee in 2025, is a prominent part of the Bruins' talent base.

James Madison transfer Wayne Knight stands out in the running game, averaging 9.08 yards per carry through four games. He attributed his decision to follow Chesney to trust in the coach and his interest in players as people. Semaj Morgan leads UCLA with 14 receptions, but the running game has carried much of the offensive workload, with tight ends contributing as blockers.

Former Dukes Carter Sweazie and Riley Robell strengthen the interior offensive line. Sahir West and Aiden Gobaira anchor the defensive line's edges, with rotation helping keep the unit fresh. Linebacker Sammy Omosigho, a transfer from Oklahoma, has recorded 7.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.

At safety, former Iowa State player Ta'Shawn James has three interceptions. He partners Malik Hartford, who recovered from shoulder surgery in 2025. CBS presents the roster-building approach as a foundation for change while stressing that it is too early to judge Chesney's long-term outcome.