UCLA football begins its 2026 season Sept. 5 against California away at California Memorial Stadium. After a disparaging 3-9 campaign last year, the Bruins begin a new era under coach Bob Chesney, with both former conference rivals seeing major roster turnover and staff changes during the offseason.

There may never have been a more confusing time to be a college football fan.
Just two days after UCLA football’s newest member – fifth-year linebacker Trent Hendrick – transferred to the program after receiving a temporary restraining order from a Louisiana court, granting him and several other athletes a fifth year of eligibility, the Big Ten became the first FBS conference to pass a rule that bans NFL players from returning to play in the conference.

UCLA is set to enter its third season in the Big Ten, following a sophomore campaign in which the program captured three NCAA championships – the most of any Big Ten school.

As UCLA football enters its first year under coach Bob Chesney and its third season in the Big Ten, Daily Bruin Sports will preview the personnel of the Bruins’ position groups and predict their 2026 outlook prior to the season’s opening game Sept.

UCLA is set to enter its third season in the Big Ten, following a sophomore campaign in which the program captured three NCAA championships – the most of any Big Ten school.

As UCLA football enters its first year under coach Bob Chesney and third season in the Big Ten, Daily Bruin Sports will preview the personnel of the Bruins’ position groups and predict their 2026 outlook prior to the season’s opening game Sept.

The Chesney train is still taking passengers.
Former James Madison linebacker Trent Hendrick transferred to UCLA on Sunday, according to On3. Hendrick received a temporary restraining order as part of a larger lawsuit in Louisiana against the NCAA, which 16 football players – including former UCLA running back TJ Harden – filed among 33 total athletes.