UCLA Football Shows Early Energy in 2026 Spring Game Showcase
- Michael Xu
- May 3
- 2 min read
PASADENA, Calif. — UCLA football closed out spring practice Saturday afternoon at the Rose Bowl with its 2026 Spring Game, giving fans an early look at the Bruins under head coach Bob Chesney.
Team Blue edged Team White, 24-17, in UCLA’s first spring game under Chesney. The scrimmage brought a game-like feel back to Pasadena, with live reps, rotating lineups, and a strong crowd atmosphere as the Bruins continued building toward the 2026 season. UCLA will open the regular season Sept. 5 at Cal.
One of the biggest storylines of the afternoon was quarterback Nico Iamaleava. The former Tennessee quarterback transferred to UCLA in 2025 after leaving the Volunteers, bringing one of college football’s most talked-about names back to Southern California. Iamaleava, a Long Beach native, came to Westwood with high-level experience after throwing for 2,616 yards and 19 touchdowns during the 2024 season at Tennessee.
Iamaleava’s arrival gave UCLA a major boost at the quarterback position and immediately made him one of the most important players to watch entering the new season. His younger brother, quarterback Madden Iamaleava, also joined UCLA after transferring from Arkansas, giving the Bruins another notable name in the quarterback room.
During the spring showcase, Iamaleava gave fans another look at his size, arm talent, and command of the offense. Spring games are not always about final numbers, but his presence changed the energy around UCLA’s offense and gave the Bruins a clear focal point heading into the summer.
The Bruins used the afternoon to rotate players on both sides of the ball, evaluate depth, and give younger athletes a chance to compete in a live setting. The offense worked through passing concepts, run-game looks, and situational drives, while the defense brought pressure and created several competitive moments throughout the scrimmage.
For Chesney, the spring game marked an early step in building UCLA’s new identity. The Bruins showed energy, physicality, and competition across the roster, giving fans a first look at what the program could become under its new head coach.
UCLA still has a long offseason ahead, but Saturday’s spring game gave the Bruins a starting point. With Iamaleava leading the quarterback conversation and a new staff setting the tone, UCLA heads into the summer with momentum and plenty of attention around the program.
Comments