UCLA football embraces aggressive defensive identity under new coaching staff.

UCLA's defense enters the 2026 season with plenty to prove after finishing near the bottom of the Big Ten in several major defensive categories a year ago. But under first-year coach Bob Chesney and defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler, the Bruins believe a new philosophy, fresh personnel and an aggressive approach can produce a dramatically different unit. Speaking during Big Ten Media Days on Wednesday, Chesney highlighted the progress his defense has made since winter workouts, pointing to a growing understanding of the new scheme and improved football IQ throughout the roster.

"I do like the ability for these guys to come together and handle this playbook the way that they're doing it," Chesney said. "They get better every iteration of this. We went from the winter into the spring, some of the summer, here comes preseason, and they fully understand not only the scheme, but the big picture. Also (they're) starting to have a higher football IQ of what the offense is doing and how they're hiding things."

The coaching overhaul has brought significant changes to Westwood. Chesney arrived after leading James Madison and brought much of his staff with him, including Hitschler, whose defense helped the Dukes rank among the nation's stingiest units in 2025, finishing eighth nationally in total defense. Their defensive philosophy centers on pressure and unpredictability. Chesney plans to utilize multiple coverages while increasing blitz opportunities, allowing defenders to attack offenses from different alignments rather than relying on static looks.

The Bruins also addressed one of their biggest needs through the transfer portal by adding defensive lineman Sahir West from James Madison. The rising redshirt sophomore earned Sun Belt Freshman of the Year honors after recording seven sacks, 45 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and four pass breakups last season. Beyond generating more pressure, Chesney said improving communication will be equally important after UCLA experienced alignment issues and coverage breakdowns throughout last season. The secondary provides one of the defense's strongest foundations entering the fall. Rising redshirt junior cornerback Cole Martin returns after establishing himself as a starter, while veteran additions DJ Barksdale, formerly of Duke, and Tao Johnson, who transferred from Utah, add experience to the defensive backfield. Martin said Hitschler's system gives defensive backs greater freedom to make plays. "We're allowed to fly around this year," Martin said. "It's a defense that allows us to match up and just play ball. I'm excited to see how it goes. Coach Hitsch is doing a great job of allowing us to be us and go make plays happen."

One lingering question remains at the position group, however. Chesney said there is no update regarding Scooter Jackson, who remains academically ineligible heading into preseason camp. The front seven faces perhaps the biggest challenge after UCLA surrendered the second-most rushing yards per game in the Big Ten last season. Strengthening run defense has become a primary focus throughout the offseason. Projected starting middle linebacker Sammy Omosigho, who transferred from Oklahoma after three seasons with the Sooners, said the defense has embraced the nickname "Bruin Bullies" as it seeks to establish a more physical identity. "We want to be known as a tough defense that can, by any means possible, defend and stop the team and put us in a position where we're one point above the other team," Omosigho said. "No matter how it looks. No matter how dirty, how grimy it gets. ... Our main focus on defense is being able to stop the run. When you stop the run, it helps you be able to play the passes well."

The cultural shift has extended beyond meetings and film sessions. Players have emphasized the competitiveness of summer workouts, with offense and defense regularly pushing each other during practices. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava said the defense has made life difficult for the offense while helping establish the competitive standard Chesney wants throughout the program. "The main thing is, first, not to look too far ahead," Iamaleava said. "It's taking it day by day, and we'll live with the results, the work we put in. ... We have an expectation, and that's to win. Coach Ches set that standard, and we realized that, and we're buying into that." For a defense that struggled to generate sacks, tackles for loss and turnovers just a season ago, UCLA's turnaround will ultimately be measured on the field. But with a new coaching staff, experienced transfers and a renewed emphasis on aggression, the Bruins believe the foundation has been laid for a much different defensive performance when the season opens Sept. 5 against California.