New coach. New offensive staff. New quarterback. New players.
For UCLA, there was no shortage of questions entering the 2026 season.
After a 3–9 season, the Bruins turned to Bob Chesney to change the direction of the program. Chesney brought a proven track record from James Madison with him to Westwood, along with 10 former Dukes, including running back Wayne Knight. Dean Kennedy took over as offensive coordinator, while Chris Smith was brought in to coordinate the offensive line and run game.
Then there was Nico Iamaleava.
The former Tennessee quarterback gives this new staff something every offensive coach wants: a quarterback who can stress the defense without the ball ever leaving his hands. He can threaten the defense with his arm, extend plays outside the pocket and become an extra gap in the run game.
So what would the new UCLA offense look like?
We didn’t have to wait long.
After Cal opened the game with a 75-yard touchdown drive, UCLA answered with a seven-play, 71-yard touchdown drive of its own. And while seven plays certainly isn’t enough to define an entire offense, it is more than enough to give us a glimpse into what Kennedy and Chesney wanted to establish on the opening night of a new era.
The Bruins didn’t simply line up and run the ball.
They showed motion. They showed misdirection. They got the ball to multiple skill players. They used Iamaleava’s legs. And, most importantly, they made Cal defend the entire width of the field.
Let’s take a look at all seven plays and the game plan behind them.
Play 1 - 1st & 10; Outside Zone
What better way to start your tenure at UCLA than to start with your base run play. Notice the boot action from Nico out of the pistol set.
Play 2 - 2nd & 6; Zone Bubble (Key #2)
Inside Zone Read with a key screen from the frontside #2 WR. UCLA is giving Nico control and ability to throw the screen or run the zone read. Quick throw immediately lets the defense know they must defend the whole width of the field.
Play 3 - 1st & 10; G/H Counter Reverse
Here is our first squeeze formation, showing 4 strong. The Bruins show G/H Counter into the boundary, but here comes the reverse! Early misdirection to keep the defense on their toes!
Play 4 - 1st & 10; Slot Fade / Snag
UCLA doesn’t dip into a true pass until they cross midfield. Here we have trips to the field who run a slot fade with #3 running the spot route. Into the boundary they use their JMU RB transfer, Wayne Knight for a snag concept. If you saw my recent article about JMU passing to the RB last year, you know they are going to involve him heavily in the passing game.
Play 5 - 2nd & 4; Tunnel Screen
On the first play, the Bruins ran Outside Zone from the Pistol. UCLA gives the same look, but hits the tunnel screen from the slot.
Play 6 - 1st & 10; 4 Strong - Dig/Post/Wheel/Swing
The offense aligns with 4 strong into the boundary. Time to get Wayne Knight involved.
We have a Post & Dig from #1 and #2 respectively. The TE/Wing runs a wheel route and the RB follows with a swing. Knight gets the ball down inside the 10. He will be something to watch this season!
Play 7 - REDZONE - 1st & 9 - Zone Bluff - TD
Nico is able to show off his athleticism on this Zone Read Bluff concept. Straight out of the JMU 2025 red zone offense. The outside release from the TE helps seal the edge along with the bluff from the wing.
A New Identity
It was only seven plays, but UCLA gave us plenty to work with.
The Bruins showed the ability to run the ball, create movement with misdirection, get the ball to their playmakers and use Nico Iamaleava as a legitimate threat in the run game.
There is a long way to go, but the opening drive gave us a clear glimpse of what Bob Chesney and his staff want this offense to become.
Seven plays. One touchdown. A pretty good introduction to the new UCLA offense.