After back-to-back disappointing seasons, UCLA enters the 2026 campaign looking for stability under first-year head coach Bob Chesney. While expectations have risen because of an aggressive offseason overhaul, the Bruins' most realistic benchmark in Year One is restoring competitiveness and earning bowl eligibility. Chesney inherited a program that finished 3-9 last season after a turbulent year that ended with the dismissal of head coach DeShaun Foster following an 0-3 start