New UCLA coach Bob Chesney has already issued a ‘challenge’ to quarterback Nico Iamaleava
The former Tennessee Vols quarterback is entering his second season with the UCLA Bruins.
Former Tennessee Vols quarterback Nico Iamaleava is entering his second season with the UCLA Bruins.
Iamaleava, who started his career at Tennessee and went to the College Football Playoff with the Vols in 2024, transferred to UCLA last spring.
The Bruins experienced plenty of adversity in 2025 — UCLA went 3-9 last season and head coach Deshaun Foster was fired — but there’s optimism entering the 2026 season with new head coach Bob Chesney at the helm.
Chesney, who was previously the head coach at James Madison, is bringing a new culture to the Bruins, which is why he issued a challenge to Iamaleava this offseason.
Bob Chesney’s challenge to Nico Iamaleava
According to On3’s Pete Nakos, Chesney has challenged Iamaleava this offseason to “take on a bigger leadership role” with the Bruins.
Being a vocal leader is something that doesn’t necessarily come easy for Iamaleava, but it’s something he was improving on before he left Tennessee last year.
“I think just for me, getting out in front of the whole team. I got comfortable with speaking to my individual position groups and the offense,” said Iamaleava a year ago before transferring to UCLA. “I think when it just comes to letting the whole offense and defense and the whole team hear your voice, I think that’s been the biggest thing for me. Just stepping out of my shell. I wasn’t very comfortable speaking in front of large crowds and stuff like that, but I’ve taken that next step and that’s something I’m continuing to work on.”
Iamaleava showed his leadership skills last season at UCLA when he rallied the locker room following the dismissal of Foster and offensive coordinator Tin Sunseri.
Iamaleava should settle in even more as a leader in his second season with the Bruins.
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