Bob Chesney isn’t messing around at UCLA, he’s brought in a dozen former James Madison players, and they are already making a serious impact. This guy is literally following the playbook of Curt Cignetti, who took Indiana to a national title, and it’s making UCLA a team you absolutely need to pay attention to. The Bruins are already sitting at 24th in the 247Sports Talent Composite for 2026, a massive jump thanks to keeping some key talent around.
Chesney’s Transfer Portal Masterclass Is Here
Let’s be real, Chesney and Cignetti are basically cut from the same cloth. These guys clawed their way up from the lower levels of college ball, stacking double-digit win seasons everywhere they went. Chesney went from Division III Salve Regina to Division II Assumption to FCS Holy Cross, racking up conference championships at every single stop. Both even coached at James Madison, leading the Dukes to conference titles, and Chesney snagged a spot in the 12-team playoff there.
Now, they’ve both landed at “down-on-their-luck Big Ten basketball schools,” and their strategy? Hit the transfer portal hard, specifically with players they already know can win. Cignetti grabbed 13 JMU guys for Indiana, and seven of them were still on the national title roster. Chesney? He’s got a dozen ex-Dukes at UCLA, and roughly half are already significant contributors. What’s wild is the perceived talent level. Indiana ranked 72nd in talent composite before Cignetti’s magic, but Chesney’s Bruins are already 24th this season, mainly because they held onto some huge pieces. Cignetti’s got his national title, and Chesney is definitely hoping his transfer strategy can pull off program-changing results.
Iamaleava and Knight Are Driving the Bus
You want to talk about crucial moves? Retaining five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava was everything. This senior, a transfer from Tennessee in the 2025 class that Chesney inherited, was apparently convinced to stay close to home after just one meeting with the new coach. Chesney said it himself: keeping Nico was key to bridging the culture past the mess of the 2025 season. So far, his legs have been making bigger plays than his arm, but his leadership? That’s been absolutely massive for this squad.
Then you’ve got Wayne Knight. Wow. This 5th-year running back, who transferred from James Madison, is the team’s current star and most productive offensive weapon. Get this: Chesney actually had to talk Knight into coming back to JMU when he first arrived in Harrisonburg. But last offseason, even with other offers on the table, Knight followed Chesney to LA. Four games into the season, he’s pacing one of the country’s best rushing attacks with a mind-blowing 9.08 yards per carry! The dude is on an absolute tear, already boasting more rushing touchdowns than 30 Power Four teams combined. You want to know what he thinks of Chesney? Knight told the school’s website, “I know this guy wins. He wants to talk to his players.” That tells you everything you need to know about the new culture brewing in Westwood. Anthony Woods, another 5th-year running back from Utah and part of the inherited 2025 transfer class, is also in the mix, adding depth to that insane rushing attack.
Chesney’s blueprint is definitely taking shape, and with playmakers like Knight going off and Iamaleava leading the charge, you’ve gotta wonder just how high this UCLA team can climb. They’re definitely looking like a squad ready to make some serious noise this season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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